NTSB Accident Reports

Wednesday, July 19, 2023 at 12:51 PM ET

Verified

Stephen Brown, engineering manager at Meridian Lightweight Technologies United Kingdom, and Birmingham City University student Anna Kryzhanovska examine a magnesium component. Birmingham City University

Key Takeaways:

A significant number of incidents involved engine failures or performance issues, leading to forced landings, ditching, or in-flight fires.
Adverse weather conditions, including strong winds, in-flight icing, and wet runways, played a contributing role in several accidents, sometimes leading to catastrophic outcomes.
Beyond engine problems, various mechanical failures such as flight control system malfunctions, airframe structural breakdowns, and corroded components resulted in loss of control or substantial damage.
Operational factors, including improper takeoff techniques (e.g., tailwind takeoff, short runway, incorrect flap settings), misjudgment of flight parameters, and delayed remedial actions, were also key contributors to accidents.