Skip to content

NTSB investigations: Cessna 340A, CA

23 cases on aircraft the registry lists as Cessna 340A. Aircraft are matched to the registry by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model, so older matches can be wrong.

Defining event

Finding

Phase of flight

Aircraft model

Cases per year

19772026

Where

Latest cases

Query with SQL

SELECT c."ntsbNumber", c."eventDate", c."eventType", c."eventCity", c."eventStateOrRegion", a.n_number, a."aircraftMake", a."aircraftModel", c."highestInjuryLevel", c."totalFatal", c."completionStatus", c.report_url FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_case_detail.parquet' c LEFT JOIN 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' a ON a.case_mkey = c."mKey" AND a.position = 1 WHERE c."eventStateOrRegion" = 'CA' AND c."eventCountry" = 'USA' AND c."mKey" IN (SELECT x.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' x WHERE x.aircraft_model_code IN ('2076405', '2073325')) ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC

duckdb -csv -c "SELECT c.\"ntsbNumber\", c.\"eventDate\", c.\"eventType\", c.\"eventCity\", c.\"eventStateOrRegion\", a.n_number, a.\"aircraftMake\", a.\"aircraftModel\", c.\"highestInjuryLevel\", c.\"totalFatal\", c.\"completionStatus\", c.report_url
  FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_case_detail.parquet' c LEFT JOIN 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' a ON a.case_mkey = c.\"mKey\" AND a.position = 1
  WHERE c.\"eventStateOrRegion\" = 'CA' AND c.\"eventCountry\" = 'USA'
    AND c.\"mKey\" IN (SELECT x.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' x WHERE x.aircraft_model_code IN ('2076405', '2073325'))
  ORDER BY c.\"eventDate\" DESC, c.\"ntsbNumber\" DESC"

Prints the whole list as CSV. It reads the release’s Parquet files over HTTPS, so there’s nothing to download first. Install DuckDB to run it.

SELECT c."ntsbNumber", c."eventDate", c."eventType", c."eventCity", c."eventStateOrRegion", a.n_number, a."aircraftMake", a."aircraftModel", c."highestInjuryLevel", c."totalFatal", c."completionStatus", c.report_url
FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_case_detail.parquet' c LEFT JOIN 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' a ON a.case_mkey = c."mKey" AND a.position = 1
WHERE c."eventStateOrRegion" = 'CA' AND c."eventCountry" = 'USA'
  AND c."mKey" IN (SELECT x.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' x WHERE x.aircraft_model_code IN ('2076405', '2073325'))
ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC

Run it at the DuckDB prompt, or in any tool that reads Parquet over HTTPS. More ways to query the release are on Use the data.

NTSB WPR24LA003Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 340A · Hayward, CAThe pilot’s sudden incapacitation from effects of a previously undiagnosed underlying heart disease, which resulted in his loss of control of the airplane and subsequent impact with terrain.Oct 2, 2023 · N121CB · Substantial damage NTSB WPR22FA309Accident · 3 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 152 · Watsonville, CAThe failure of the pilot of the multi-engine airplane to see and avoid the single-engine airplane while performing a straight-in approach for landing.Aug 18, 2022 · N49931 · 2 aircraft · Substantial damage NTSB WPR22FA004Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 340A · Santee, CALoss of control due to spatial disorientation.Oct 11, 2021 · N7022G · Destroyed NTSB WPR16LA058Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 340A · Bakersfield, CAMaintenance personnel’s repeated failure to re-rig the main landing gear (MLG) in accordance with the airplane manufacturer's service manual requirements, which resulted in the collapse of the right MLG.Jan 27, 2016 · N346MC · Substantial damage NTSB WPR11LA363Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 340A · Fullerton, CAThe pilot's inability to maintain directional control during landing due to the left brake's degraded performance due to oil contamination, which resulted from the fatigue failure of an oil line component.Jun 1, 2011 · N340BG · Substantial damage NTSB LAX08FA058Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 340A · Cabazon, CAThe pilot's continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions and failure to maintain terrain clearance while en route. Contributing to the accident were clouds and mountainous terrain.Feb 2, 2008 · N354TJ · Destroyed NTSB SEA07LA156Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 340A · Ludlow, CAThe loss of engine power from both engines due to fuel starvation resulting from the pilot's improper fuel tank selector position. Contributing factors were the pilot's inadequate preflight inspection and the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.Jun 12, 2007 · N340WS · Substantial damage NTSB LAX03FA254Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 340A · Bishop, CAthe pilot's in-flight loss of control due to a Somatogravic illusion and/or spatial disorientation. Factors in the accident were the dark lighting conditions and the pilot's lack of familiarity with the airplane.Aug 9, 2003 · N340DC · Destroyed NTSB LAX02LA142Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 340A · Lancaster, CAThe collapse of the right main landing gear as a result of a malfunctioning microswitch.Apr 23, 2002 · N6304X · Substantial damage NTSB LAX02FA028Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 340A · Santa Monica, CAThe pilot's failure to remove the control gust lock prior to takeoff and his failure to abort the takeoff with sufficient runway remaining to stop the airplane on the runway.Nov 14, 2001 · N2RR · Destroyed NTSB LAX01FA032Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 340A · Selma, CAThe pilot's improper decision to attempt a visual approach and landing in instrument meteorological conditions and his failure to follow instrument flight rules procedures.Nov 6, 2000 · N12273 · Destroyed NTSB LAX01FA026Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 340A · Julian, CATotal blockage of the instrument static system due to ice.Oct 26, 2000 · N4347C · Destroyed NTSB LAX98LA081Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 340A · Groveland, CAFailure of the brake line as a result of inadequate maintenance.Jan 23, 1998 · N41NR · Substantial damage NTSB LAX96FA067Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 340A · San Dimas, CAthe pilot's impairment of judgment and performance due to drugs, his resultant improper planning/decision, his failure to follow proper IFR procedures, and his failure to maintain proper altitude during a missed approach. Factors relating to the accident…Dec 7, 1995 · N37324 · Destroyed NTSB LAX94LA135Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 340A · Dunsmuir, CAThe mechanics improper maintenance of the airplane's left brake system by failing to service its hydraulic reservoir. The lack of hydraulic fluid in the left brake reservoir which precipitated the left brake failure is a factor in this accident.Feb 7, 1994 · N1362C · Substantial damage NTSB LAX92LA138Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 340A · Long Beach, CAThe fatigue failure of the left main landing gear down lock bell crank pivot bolt.Mar 12, 1992 · N1362C · Substantial damage NTSB LAX91LA380Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna C-340A · Brawley, CAThe pilot's selection of the wrong landing runway and his failure to attain the proper touchdown location. Factors which contributed to the accident were related to the pilot's inadequate observations of the weather and the tailwind condition which existed.Sep 2, 1991 · N4298C · Destroyed NTSB LAX90LA258Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 340-A · Truckee, CAThe pilots loss of brake performance due to hydroplaning.Jul 16, 1990 · N8637K · Substantial damage NTSB SEA87LA193Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 340A · Tecopa, CAA dual engine failure occurred after the first reduction in power at about 200 feet AGL. The aircraft then descended to the ground. No mechanical reason for the loss of power could be determined.Sep 24, 1987 · N2699S · Substantial damage NTSB LAX83FA064Accident · Minor injuriesField investigationFinal reportCessna 340A · Monterey, CAThe acft began to lose power at about 400 ft AGL after takeoff and the pilot elected to land along the shoreline in the ocean. The acft ditched about 100 yards off shore. All 4 occupants were able to exit thru the airstair door and receivedonly minor…Jan 3, 1983 · N1947E · Destroyed NTSB LAX83FA034Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 340A · Orinda, CAAfter departing san jose, CA, the plt climbed to an alt of 4600 ft MSL & proceeded toward novato, CA. From 1528 to 1533 PST, radar data showed that the acft was level at 4600 ft on a heading of 330 deg at 180 fts ground speed. Radar info showed that the acft…Nov 13, 1982 · N29HT · Destroyed NTSB LAX82FA109Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 340A · 12 N.E. Burbank, CAAfter takeoff, the pilot was cleared to proceed on an IFR flight plan. After being cleared to 15,000 ft MSL, he reported having trouble maintaining his airspeed and subsequently declared an emergency. Shortly after that, radar contact was lost. The aircraft…Mar 17, 1982 · N98546 · Destroyed NTSB LAX77FA052Accident · 1 fatalClosedCessna 340A · Corona, CAJun 20, 1977 · N98621 · Destroyed