NTSB investigations
2,878 cases where the first occurrence was “Loss of engine power(total) - mech failure/malf”.
Cases, newest first
Query with SQL
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.\"mKey\" IN (SELECT o.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_occurrences.parquet' o WHERE o.\"occurrenceNumber\" = 1 AND o.\"occurrenceCode\" = 351) 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."mKey" IN (SELECT o.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_occurrences.parquet' o WHERE o."occurrenceNumber" = 1 AND o."occurrenceCode" = 351) 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 ANC88LA015Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-301 · Iliamna, AKThe acft eng lost oil pressure during cruise. The plt attempted to land on a small airstrip. He did not make it to the strip and overran nearby tundra into Iliamna lake. The oil pump housing was broken; one gear was split and the other had a broken tooth. The…NTSB LAX88LA025Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportMcdonnell Douglas 369D · Borrego Springs, CAThe pilot and three passengers were flying at low altitude over mountainous terrain looking for big horn sheep. Thirty minutes into the flight the pilot heard a loud noise and the tail yawed left. The pilot turned away from the mountain to look for a place to…NTSB NYC88LA016Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportGulfstream American AA-5B · Barre, MAThe aircraft was in the traffic pattern when it experienced a power loss. The plt made an off-airport landing in a wooded area. The pilot reported that he was in a slip prior to and at the time of the reported power loss. The FAA reported that the engine…NTSB MIA88LA019Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172 · Titusville, FLAfter a go-around, at aprx 300 ft, the eng lost power. The plt attempted to return to the arpt, but was unable. The acft descended, collided with trees, bounced off the roof of a house & came to rest against a vehicle in the driveway. Inspection of the…NTSB CHI88FA010Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportSmith, Ted Aerostar Aerostar 600 · Oshtemo Townshp, MIThe aircraft was at cruise altitude (9,000 feet) for approximately 20 minutes when the pilot reported the loss of right engine power. Chicago ARTCC reported the closest airport was kalamazoo, 28 miles west. The aircraft began to descend and at 0330:53 chicago…NTSB NYC88LA084Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-12 · Hammondsport, NYShortly after takeoff, the Piper PA-12 experienced a loss of power and made an off airport landing. During the landing, the aircraft impacted in a corn field. Examination of the aircraft did not disclose any malfunctions or mechanical failures. Auto fuel was…NTSB LAX88LA017Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-24-260 · San Mateo, CAWhile over the ocean, the pilot noted that the engine did not sound right and that the oil pressure indication had dropped to zero. Shortly afterward, the engine began to vibrate violently and seized. The pilot planned for a forced landing to an open field…NTSB FTW88DRA01Accident · Serious injuriesFinal reportWatkins/Monnett Moni · Silsbee, TXShortly after takeoff, the eng lost power & the plt tried to return to the arpt. However, as he was shutting off the fuel, the acft stalled & began to spin. He initiated corrective action, but the acft collided with trees before he could recover. An…NTSB MIA88FA007Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportRockwell 700 · Pompano Beach, FLWitnesses stated that just after takeoff, the left engine started to leave a trail of white smoke, the acft then turned left back towards the arpt & crashed into the street. Post crash examination revealed one of the left engine crankshaft counterweights…NTSB DEN88LA008Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Lordsburg, NMThe pilot said that he reduced the throttle during the descent to traffic pattern alt at the dusty acres arpt and when he pushed the throttle in, the throttle cable broke. The eng went to idle power and quit. The pilot executed an emergency landing on a…NTSB BFO88LA005Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-200 · Dares Beach, MDThe plt stated that after climbing about 2000' & proceeding aprx 3 to 4 mi out over the chesapeake bay, the oil temp began to rise & the oil pressure decreased. He turned toward land, but the eng lost power. Subsequently, he was forced to land in a swampy…NTSB FTW88LA002Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportMooney M-20-J · Kerrville, TXAcft was substantially damaged when it collided with a road sign and the grnd during an off arpt emergency lndg following a complete eng failure during descent. Plt stated that about 20 mins out from his dest, the oil press decreased into the yellow arc, but…NTSB NYC87LA268Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28 · Plymouth, VTWhile cruising at about 5500', the eng lost power & the prop contd to windmill, but the plt was unable to restart the eng. Subsequently, he landed the acft in a rough field. During the landing roll, the prop dug into a mound of dirt & the aircraft flipped…NTSB MKC87LA179Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportJenkins Pitts S-1 · Orleans, NEThe pilot stated that the aircraft was cruising at 2,000 ft (AGL) when the engine lost power. He turned toward the nearest suitable emergency airfield but the aircraft's rate of descent precluded this option. The pilot selected a road as alternate, but…NTSB CHI87DEC05Accident · No injuriesFinal reportWilli/Bensen B-8M · Fraser, MIDeterioration of the internal surface of the fuel tank which led to blockage of the fuel flow and subsequent fuel starvation of the engine.NTSB MIA87FA257Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-300 · Geneva, FLFlt experienced engine failure when the number six connecting rod separated from the crankshaft after failure of the connecting rod bearing. During an attempted forced landing during darkness the acft collided with trees and then crashed to the ground.…NTSB ANC87LA162Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 206G · 100mi S.Kng Slm, AKThe aircraft experienced an engine power loss while in cruise flight and subsequently undershot a lake during the emergency landing. Examination of the engine revealed the number 2 bearing was found completely disintegrated and missing from its seat. Evidence…NTSB DEN87LA241Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna TU206G · Spanish Fork, UTWhile cruising at 10,500 ft with the power set at 28 inches map & 2350 RPM, the eng suddenly lost pwr & began knocking. The plt noted a rapid drop in oil pressure & saw a 3-inch hole in the top of the eng cowling. He attempted to land on a highway, but was…NTSB CHI87DEE10Accident · Minor injuriesFinal reportHughes 269A · Plainfield, ILWhile maneuvering at about 4 feet above ground level the pilot experienced a loss of engine power and entered an uncontrolled right turn and descent, colliding with the ground. The engine power loss was due to the failure of a stud and bolt holding the…NTSB MIA87LA244Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportAir Tractor AT301 · Belle Glade, FLThe plt stated that he was spraying water to clean out his hopper tank. During approach to land the eng quit. Unable to reach the airstrip the plt landed on a road. On landing rollout on the road he struck a hidden 55 gallon drum with the right wing tip, spun…NTSB CHI87LA203Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · New Lenox, ILThe accident occurred on a local training flight. At 3500 ft MSL the eng failed. The student plt landed at a near-by arpt but bounced on touchdown, veered off the rnwy and nosed over. Eng exam disclosed broken primary venturi in carb.NTSB DEN87DTE05Accident · No injuriesFinal reportPiper PA-25-235 · Center, COThe plt reported that the eng lost power while the acft was en route to spray a field. There was no suitable terrain for a forced landing and the plt landed the aircraft in a soft, cultivated field and nosed over. Examination of the eng revealed burned and…NTSB NYC87LA245Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Montgomeryville, PAWhile climbing through about 1500' after takeoff, the engine began to lose power. The pilot turned back toward the airport, but subsequently all power was lost & the aircraft was damaged during a landing in a corn field. A post- accident examination revealed…NTSB ATL87LA245Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-25 · Myrtle Beach, SCAfter about 45 mntes into the flight, the pilot noticed a drop in engine oil pressure when he decided to return to the airport. The cabin filled with smoke, and the engine continued to lose power. The pilot had no choice but to ditch. The wreckage…NTSB LAX87DUJ10Accident · No injuriesFinal reportCessna 188B · Poston, AZJust after liftoff one propeller blade separated from the hub near the outboard end of the associated ferrule fitting which induced a failure of the cranckshaft. The pilot made a forced landing, overran the runway end and nosed over. Metallurgical analysis…NTSB ATL87LA241Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172 · Baxley, GADuring a supervised solo flight, the student pilot experienced a partial power loss. The student applied carburetor heat, but the engine continued to run rough. The student turned towards the airstrip and attempted an emgcy lndg. The acft touched down at…NTSB SEA87LA173Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172 · Burns, ORA loss of power occurred during descent for landing. During forced landing the aircraft struck an irrigation ditch, collapsing the nose gear. The reason for the engine failure was a complete loss of oil coming from worn threads and a worn o ring to the oil…NTSB BFO87FA057Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 206B · Washington, DCThe helicopter was on a LCL photography (sight-seeing) flt. While hovering at aprx 200' abv the potomac river, the eng lost pwr. The plt initiated an autorotation & deployed the emerg floats. Subsequently, the helicopter impacted in the river & rolled ovr,…NTSB FTW87DRD13Accident · No injuriesFinal reportAir Tractor AT-400A · Monroe, LAThe ag pilot pulled up from a swath run while spraying chemicals on cotton and the pt 6A-20A engine in his aircraft exploded. A post accident teardown of the engine revealed the blades of a compressor disk had failed causing a total loss of power. Reason for…NTSB MKC87FA163Accident · Serious injuriesField investigationFinal reportBeech 35 · Excelsior Spgs, MOAccording to witnesses, the pilot declared an emergency over the radio stating that the eng was losing power and that she was attempting an emerg lndg at Excelsior springs arpt. The pilot stated that she initiated a go-around, after the rwy was assured, due…NTSB SEA87FA165Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportFleet 16B · Bellevue, WAThe pilot executed an emergency landing on a golf course after a power loss which he attributed to carburetor ice. Subsequent to the landing the aircraft was fueled with 10 gallons of automotive gasoline. The fuel was checked for water at the strainer drain…NTSB MKC87LA162Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportMaxfield Pitts S-1S · Meade, KSShortly after takeoff, while depg to the se, the eng seized. All of the surrounding terrain consisted of plowed fields, so the plt tried to glide back to the arpt; however, he had insufficient speed & alt to get aligned with the rwy. Drg the lndg, the acft…NTSB MKC87FA161Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-22-150 · Solon Springs, WIThe surviving pax rprtd that drg initial climb after takeoff, the eng suddenly stopped & did not respond to atmts of a restart. The plt turned back toward the arpt, but was unable to reach the rwy. The acft impacted large trees in a wooded area, then crashed…NTSB ANC87LA116Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172 · Pt. Mackenzie, AKAfter a complete engine failure and an emergency landing on the beach, the pilot lost directional control of the aircraft causing the plane to nose over on its back. Examination of the engine revealed a blocked oil screen which caused oil starvation.NTSB FTW87FA190Accident · No injuriesField investigationFinal reportCessna 206G · Georgetown, TXTeardown of the aircraft engine revealed that the engine counterweight vibration damper assembly was out of tolerance. This allowed excessive engine vibration which resulted in failure of the camshaft drive gear and total engine failure. The pilot executed a…NTSB DEN87DTG01Accident · No injuriesFinal reportCessna 188 · Valley City, NDThe plt rprtd the eng lost pwr drg a swath run & the acft was dmgd drg a forced lndg in a field of mature sunflowers. An exam of the acft revealed that both fuel tanks & the gascolater contained fuel. Subsequently, the eng was started at the acdnt site & it…NTSB CHI87LA182Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper J3 · Vermillion Lake, MNWhile attempting to return to land after the loss of power, the right wing tip hit the water and the aircraft flipped upside down into the lake. According to a mechanic who inspected the aircraft after the accident, the coils and condensers on both magnetos…NTSB SEA87LA151Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportRockwell S-2R · Plymouth, WADrg a swath run, a total loss of power occurred when the eng's #9 cylinder failed. The plt made a forced lndg in a soft potato field, but the acft nosed over after it slowed to about 20 KTS.NTSB MKC87LA152Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportAero Commander Callair A9-B · Osgood, MODuring an aerial application operation, pilot experienced partial power loss and vibration, followed by a loud explosive sound and total loss of power. An emergency ldg was made followed by a nose over. Postaccident inspection revealed the entire propeller…NTSB ANC87FA112Accident · Serious injuriesField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18 · Anchorage, AKTwo certificated flight instructors intended to practice landings in a tail wheel airplane. Shortly after the first take off, the PIC stated that there was an abrupt loss of power. The airplane was unable to return to the airport and crashed on a residential…NTSB SEA87LA147Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna T210K · Bellevue, WAAfter tkof, the plt leveled at about 1500' & adjusted the pwr to a low cruise setting. A short time later, the eng bgn missing & subsequently lost all pwr. The plt followed the emerg procedures, but was unable to restart the eng. He manuevered the acft to…NTSB CHI87DEM10Accident · Minor injuriesFinal reportPiper PA-25-235 · Marne, MIAt the end of a swath run while about one-third of the way through the procedure turn around, the engine suddenly lost power. The pilot extended his glide to clear powerlines and when he flared to land he did not have enough airspeed to stop the descent. The…NTSB MKC87LA141Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 175C · Bear Creek, MODuring a personal xc flt, plt experienced a partial loss of power followed by a total loss of power. During emergency ldg, pilot stated that he prematurely added full flaps, which resulted in too steep of a descent, causing acft to be short of intended…NTSB LAX87LA271Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 175 · Jackson, CAJust after takeoff the engine began missing then quit at an altitude of aprx 200 ft AGL. The plt attempted to return and land at the airport but was unable to reach the runway. Inspection of the engine revealed that the number 5 cylinderbarrel was cracked at…NTSB DEN87LA182Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · New Rockford, NDThe student plt was on a cross country flight. He noticed a drop in engine RPM. An engine vibration began and another aircraft reported seeing a smoke trail. The plt elected to make an off airport landing and selected a wheat field. The plt made an emergency…NTSB SEA87LA163Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna T-207 · Mccall, IDDuring climb out to cruise altitude the pilot noticed a drop in manifold pressure and a loss of oil pressure. The pilot was in the process of attempting to reach an airstrip when the oil pressure dropped to zero followed by a total loss of power. An off…NTSB FTW87LA164Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172I · Baton Rouge, LAThe plt rprtd that after taking off to practice touch & go lndgs, the eng lost pwr. He atmtd to make a forced lndg on the arpt, but was unable. While lndg short of the rwy, the acft hit the top of a tree & the arpt security fence. Maintenance had just been…NTSB ANC87LA091Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportDornier DO-27 · White Mountain, AKThe pilot stated that while cruising at 2000 feet MSL the engine started to run rough. He made an emergency landing on the tundra. Examination of the engine revealed the number one and number two cylinders broke and separated in flight.NTSB LAX87DUJ07Accident · Minor injuriesFinal reportKiesel Midget Mustang · Window Rock, AZThe aircraft lost power shortly after takeoff and collided with a dirt bank during the subsequent forced landing. Engineexamination revealed an open intake valve on the number 4 cylinder and the pilot stated a 'bent and cracked crankshaft from a prior…NTSB CHI87DET08Accident · Serious injuriesFinal reportPiper PA-28R-180 · Benton Harbor, MIWhile the aircraft was climbing to altitude the pilot tried to decrease power to cruise climb but had to reduce power more to control the propeller RPM. The pilot decreased the power once again and shortly after the engine stopped. The pilot then attempted to…