Premium research interface

The modern interface for aviation safety intelligence.

Search investigations, review source evidence, monitor watched reports, and trace long-term patterns from one calm, data-first workspace.

63k+
Reports indexed
1940-2026
Coverage
Recent
Last data refresh
Featured Report

Loading…

Loading featured report…

Loading…
Open Report

Safety trends by operating rule

Track fatal and non-fatal accident patterns across Part 91, Part 135, and Part 121 operations.

Loading trend charts…

Browse the aviation graph

Move quickly by aircraft, airport, operator, and time with indexes built for research, not wandering.

Last Data Update

By Decade

By Month

Aircraft Manufacturer

More manufacturers

Airports

More airports

Operators

More operators

About

Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

The goal is practical safety education: make it faster to find relevant investigations, compare similar events, review factual records, and understand the evidence behind probable-cause and preliminary reports.

The investigative work and source records belong to the National Transportation Safety Board and the published investigation record. This site is not affiliated with or endorsed by the NTSB.

FAQs

NTSB Report

March 17, 1999 · Cessna 177 · N3406T

Chico, CA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 17, 1999
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury), 1 uninjured
Location
Chico, CA
Aircraft
Cessna 177
Tail Number
N3406T
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX99LA121

The CFI indicated that during the flight he was to provide the owner-pilot any needed instruction while the pilot practiced landings. Also, the CFI planned to further familiarize himself with the pilot's airplane. The owner-pilot performed the first landing, the CFI performed the second landing, and the owner-pilot performed the third approach and attempted landing. The CFI reported that the pilot's final approach was flown a little faster than normal. The touchdown occurred nose wheel first, and during rollout the airplane began porpoising. After the third or fourth oscillation, the CFI took the controls and applied full engine power to stabilize the airplane and to take off. According to the CFI, he maintained control of the airplane as it became airborne, and he partially retracted the wing flaps. The airplane climbed, impacted several trees, and came to rest within 1/4-mile south of the airport. Neither pilot asserted that any mechanical malfunction occurred with the airplane during the accident flight. Ranchaero's runway 15 is 2,280 feet long, and its landing threshold is displaced by 200 feet. Trees are located near both the approach and departure ends of the runway. Touch-and-go landings are prohibited.

NTSB Probable Cause

The CFI's inadequate supervision and delayed remedial action to rectify his student's bounced landing. Contributing factors were the short runway and obstructing trees.

Full Narrative

On March 17, 1999, about 1030 hours Pacific standard time, a Cessna 177, N3406T, owned and operated by the pilot, collided with trees during initial climb following a rejected landing on runway 15 at the uncontrolled Ranchaero Airport, Chico, California. The airplane was substantially damaged, and the certified flight instructor (CFI), who possessed a commercial pilot certificate, was not injured. The airplane's owner, who possessed a private pilot certificate, received minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The flight was performed under 14 CFR Part 91, as a dual instructional flight, and it originated from Chico about 1000. During an interview with the National Transportation Safety Board investigator, the CFI indicated that during the flight he was to provide the owner-pilot any needed instruction while the pilot practiced landings. Also, the CFI planned to familiarize himself with the pilot's airplane. The pilot performed the first landing, the CFI performed the second landing, and the pilot performed the third approach and attempted landing. The CFI reported that the pilot's final approach was flown a little faster than normal, and touchdown occurred nose wheel first. During rollout, the airplane began porpoising. After the third or fourth oscillation, the CFI took the controls and applied full engine power to stabilize the airplane and to take off. According to the CFI, he maintained control of the airplane as it became airborne, and he partially retracted the wing flaps. The airplane climbed slowly, impacted several trees, and came to rest within 1/4-mile south of the airport. Neither pilot asserted that any mechanical malfunction occurred with the airplane during the accident flight. In the Federal Aviation Administration's "Airport/Facility Directory," information is provided about Ranchaero's runway and the surrounding area. In pertinent part, the directory states that runway 15 is 2,280 feet long and its landing threshold is displaced by 200 feet. Obstructions (trees) are in the vicinity of runway 15 and 33. Touch-and-go landings are prohibited.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:30 PST
Nearest AirportRanchaero (0nm SSE)
Runway15
Runway Length2280 ft
Runway Width30 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 177
Tail NumberN3406T
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-E2D · Reciprocating · 150
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury), 1 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured1
Total2
Crew 1Age 28 · First Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind300° @ 5 kt
Visibility8 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 4500 ft
Temperature / Dew Point68 F / 0 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time18:51
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data