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

November 16, 1994 · Cessna 206E · XBEPF

San Benito, TX

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 16, 1994
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
San Benito, TX
Aircraft
Cessna 206E
Tail Number
XBEPF
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
FTW95LA043

AN UNIDENTIFIED PILOT GROUND LOOPED THE AIRPLANE WHILE LANDING IN AN UNLIGHTED OPEN FIELD AT NIGHT. THE NOSE LANDING GEAR COLLAPSED AND THE RIGHT WING SPAR WAS FRACTURED. THE DATA PLATE WAS NOT FOUND ON THE FOREIGN REGISTERED AIRPLANE. NO CARGO OR BAGGAGE WAS FOUND ABOARD THE AIRPLANE. ALL SEATS HAD BEEN REMOVED WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE TWO FRONT SEATS. THE PILOT AND THE FOREIGN OWNER OF THE AIRPLANE WERE NOT LOCATED. A U.S CUSTOMS TEAM INSPECTED AND TESTED THE AIRPLANE FOR EVIDENCE OR SIGNS OF DRUGS OR ILLEGAL OPERATION. NO EVIDENCE OF DRUGS WAS FOUND.

NTSB Probable Cause

THE PILOT'S IMPROPER ATTEMPT TO MAKE AN OFF AIRPORT LANDING AT NIGHT AND THE INADVERTENT GROUND LOOP. A FACTOR WAS THE DARK NIGHT LIGHT CONDITION.

Full Narrative

On November 15, 1994, at 2018 central standard time, a Cessna 206E, Mexican registration XBEPF, was substantially damaged during landing near San Benito, Texas. The unidentified pilot was presumed to be uninjured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed throughout the area for the night flight. Examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector revealed that the right wing spar was fractured. Additionally he found that a data plate was not installed on the airplane, and that all the seats had been removed with the exception of the pilot's and copilot's seats. The inspector also noted that the aft portion of the cabin floor had been modified with a six inch square aperture. The nose landing gear was collapsed and the propeller blades were found bent around the engine cowling. Ground scars made by the nose wheel were indicative of a ground loop. The abandoned airplane was found by a law enforcement patrol car. The pilot was not located, and no evidence of blood was found in the cockpit or surrounding area. There was no cargo or baggage aboard the airplane. A U.S Customs team inspected and tested the airplane for evidence or signs of involvement in the transportation of drugs. No evidence of drugs was found. The Mexican registered owner never answered any correspondence, nor completed NTSB Form 6120.1/2. Neither the local police or the sheriff department had any knowledge regarding the recovery or disposition of the wreckage.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time20:18 CST
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 206E
Tail NumberXBEPF
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsReciprocating
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Unknown

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDark Night
Wind310° @ 12 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 6000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point66 F / 57
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time01:47
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data