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

September 17, 1994 · Cessna 150 · N9456U

Winnetka, IL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 17, 1994
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Winnetka, IL
Aircraft
Cessna 150
Tail Number
N9456U
Operator
Palwaukee Aviation
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI94LA331

APPROXIMATELY 35 MILUTES AFTER DEPARTING ON A LOCAL PLEASURE FLIGHT, THE ENGINE BEGAN TO SPUTTER AFTER THE PILOT MADE A SLIGHT POWER CHANGE. ALL EFFORTS TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM WERE UNSUCCESSFUL. BELIEVING HE WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO MAKE IT TO THE NEAREST AIRPORT, THE PILOT DECIDED TO MAKE AN EMERGENCY LANDING ON THE SHORELINE OF LAKE MICHIGAN. THE AIRPLANE LANDED IN SHALLOW WATER AND CAME TO REST INVERTED. POSTACCIDENT INVESTIGATION CONSISTED OF AN ENGINE TEARDOWN AND FUEL SYSTEM EXAMINATION. THE INVESTIGATION REVEALED NO MECHANICAL OR OTHER ANOMALIES WITH THE AIRPLANE OR ENGINE.

NTSB Probable Cause

THE LOSS OF ENGINE POWER DUE TO AN UNDETERMINED REASON. THE LACK OF SUITABLE TERRAIN FOR THE FORCED LANDING WAS A FACTOR.

Full Narrative

On September 16, 1994, at 2110 central daylight time, a Cessna 150, N9456U, was substantially damaged following a loss of engine power and subsequent forced landing near Winnetka, Illinois. The airplane came to rest inverted in water approximately 20 feet from the shoreline of Lake Michigan. The pilot and passenger reported no injuries. The 14 CFR Part 91 local pleasure flight operated in visual meteorological conditions without flight plan. In a detailed statement, the pilot reported they departed Palwaukee Airport, Wheeling, Illinois, "after a complete and satisfactory preflight." The pilot stated the engine showed no indications of a problem until after he made a slight power change approximately 35 minutes into the flight. At this time the engine began to sputter. Efforts to correct the problem were unsuccessful. Believing he would not be able to make it to the nearest airport, the pilot decided to make an emergency landing on the beach. The airplane landed in shallow water and came to rest inverted. Postaccident investigation consisted of an engine teardown and fuel system examination. The investigation revealed no mechanical or other anomalies. The airplane log book showed the last inspection was a 100 hour inspection performed on September 9, 1994. The airplane had logged 22 hours since the last inspection.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time21:10 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 150
Tail NumberN9456U
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorPalwaukee Aviation
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · O-200-A · Reciprocating · 100
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 26 · First Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDark Night
Wind290° @ 6 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point55
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time01:55
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data