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 15, 1994 · Grumman G-164A · N9686

Sublette, KS

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 15, 1994
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Sublette, KS
Aircraft
Grumman G-164A
Tail Number
N9686
Operator
Max Birney Aerial Spraying
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI94LA106

THE PILOT STATED HE WAS INVOLVED IN AERIAL APPLICATION OF HERBICIDE. HE REPORTED HE WAS MAKING A SPRAY RUN ON A WESTERLY HEADING WITH THE SUN IN HIS EYES AND THE AIRPLANE IMPACTED RISING TERRAIN. THE PILOT STATED THE TERRAIN ROSE SHARPLY AND HE DID NOT NOTICE THE INCREASE IN TERRAIN ELEVATION.

NTSB Probable Cause

the commercial pilot's failure to maintain clearance from terrain. Related factors are sun glare and rising terrain.

Full Narrative

On March 14, 1994, at 1830 central standard time, a Grumman G164A, N9686, operated by Max Birney Aerial Spraying, Inc. impacted rising terrain during an aerial application swath run in the vicinity of Sublette, Kansas. The pilot, the sole occupant, reported no injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local flight, no flight plan was filed. The flight operated under 14 CFR Part 137, and originated from a private airstrip in Sublette, Kansas approximately 1815. The pilot reported he was flying on a westerly heading during an herbicide application spray run. He stated the sun was in his eyes "...setting on the horizon..." and he did not observe an increase in terrain elevation. The pilot reported the landing gear struck the terrain and the airplane "...flipped...end over end...coming to stop right side up." The pilot's safety recommendation was to fly higher during spray runs.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:30 MST
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftGrumman G-164A
Tail NumberN9686
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorMax Birney Aerial Spraying
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsP&W · R-1340 AN-1 · Reciprocating · 600
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 39 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind10°
Visibility20 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F / 28 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time00:50
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data