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

April 13, 1999 · Cessna T-188C · N2173J

Dalton, NE

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 13, 1999
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Dalton, NE
Aircraft
Cessna T-188C
Tail Number
N2173J
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI99LA128

The pilot stated that the takeoff run was uneventful, but during the climb the engine experienced a substantial loss of power. The pilot reported that he did not have, '... time, airspeed, or altitude to turn.' The airplane impacted the top of a tree line, a residential structure, a fence, and a propane tank before coming to rest. Examination of the wreckage revealed no anomalies with the airframe and the flight control system. The pilot reported that the airplane was loaded with 120 gallons of a chemical mixture and was within the weight and balance limitations for the aircraft. The fuel pump was tested and was found to be outside the manufacture's limitations. The maximum allowable fuel pressure, at 2,700 rpm and 39.5 inches of mercury, is 37.0 psi. The fuel pump from the accident airplane was bench-tested and yielded 60 psi.

NTSB Probable Cause

the improper adjustment of the fuel pump by maintenance personnel. Factors to the accident were the excessive output of the fuel pump, trees, residential structure, fence, and propane tank.

Full Narrative

On April 13, 1999, at 1705 mountain daylight time, a Cessna T-188C, N2173J, piloted by a commercial pilot, sustained substantial damage during a forced landing following a loss of engine power during initial climb, near Dalton, Nebraska. The airplane impacted a line of trees, a residential structure, a propane storage tank, and a fence during the forced landing. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The aerial application flight was operating under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 137 and was not on a flight plan. The pilot reported no injuries. The local flight was departing a private airstrip near Dalton, Nebraska at the time of the accident. According to the pilot's written statement, the takeoff run was uneventful, but when the aircraft departed the runway the engine experienced a substantial loss of power. The pilot reported that he did not have, "... time, airspeed, or altitude to turn." The pilot stated that the airplane impacted the top of a tree line, a residential structure, a fence, and a propane tank before coming to rest. Examination of the wreckage revealed no anomalies with the airframe and the flight control system. The pilot reported that the airplane was loaded with 120 gallons of a chemical mixture and was within the weight and balance limitations for the aircraft. The fuel pump was tested and was found to be outside the manufacture's limitations. The maximum allowable fuel pressure, at 2,700 rpm and 39.5 inches of mercury, is 37.0 psi. The fuel pump from the accident airplane was bench-tested and yielded 60 psi.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:05 MDT
Nearest AirportPaul Benish Airport (0nm)
Runway17
Runway Length3800 ft
Runway Width30 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna T-188C
Tail NumberN2173J
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · TSIO-520-T · Reciprocating · 310
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 54 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind80° @ 10 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point64 F / 43 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time22:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data