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 11, 1994 · Rockwell S-2R · N4977X

Tacna, AZ

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 11, 1994
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Tacna, AZ
Aircraft
Rockwell S-2R
Tail Number
N4977X
Operator
Schmit Aviation
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX94LA158

The pilot had finished the aerial application mission and was returning to the airstrip. The engine began to lose oil pressure and power and the pilot diverted to a dirt airstrip on a mesa, which is not equipped with runway lights. As the aircraft neared the dirt airstrip, the engine seized. The pilot touched down adjacent to the dirt runway and a wing collided with a berm. The operator reported that the engine sustained a catastrophic internal failure. No apparent cause was reported for the failure. The night was dark with no moon for illumination.

NTSB Probable Cause

a catastrophic internal engine failure for undetermined reasons. A factor in the accident was the dark nighttime lighting conditions.

Full Narrative

On March 10, 1994, at 2045 mountain standard time, a Rockwell S- 2R, N4977X, collided with a berm while landing at a dirt agricultural airstrip near Tacna, Arizona. The aircraft was operated by Schmit Aviation, Inc., of Yuma, Arizona, and was engaged in aerial application operations under 14 CFR 137. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the nighttime flight and no flight plan was filed. The aircraft incurred substantial damage. The certificated commercial pilot, the sole occupant, sustained minor injuries. The flight originated from a private airstrip near Tacna, Arizona, at 2015 hours on the day of the mishap for a local area spraying mission. According to the operator, the pilot had finished the aerial application mission and was returning to the airstrip. The engine began to lose oil pressure and power and the pilot diverted to a dirt airstrip on a mesa, which is not equipped with runway lights. As the aircraft neared the dirt airstrip, the engine seized. The pilot touched down adjacent to the dirt runway and a wing collided with a berm. The operator reported that the engine sustained a catastrophic internal failure. No apparent cause was reported for the failure.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time20:45 MST
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftRockwell S-2R
Tail NumberN4977X
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorSchmit Aviation
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsWright · R-1820-97 · Reciprocating · 1200
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 35 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDark Night
Wind220° @ 3 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data