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

February 7, 1995 · Piper PA-23 · N2092P

Benton Harbor, MI

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 7, 1995
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (3 uninjured)
Location
Benton Harbor, MI
Aircraft
Piper PA-23
Tail Number
N2092P
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI95LA085

WHILE IN CRUISE FLIGHT AT 7,000 MEAN SEA LEVEL, THE AIRPLANE SUFFERED A PARTIAL POWER LOSS TO THE RIGHT ENGINE, WHICH CONTINUED UNTIL THE PILOT SHUT DOWN THAT ENGINE. THE PILOT TRIED MIXTURES FORWARD (RICH), BOOST PUMPS ON, AND FUEL BACK ON MAIN TANKS. WHEN HE TRIED CARBURETOR HEAT, IT RESULTED IN A LOSS OF 300 RPM, WHICH HE CONSIDERED NORMAL, AND HE TURNED IT OFF AFTER 30 TO 45 SECONDS. THE PILOT ATTEMPTED TO CONDUCT AN ILS APPROACH IN IMC CONDITIONS, BUT THE LEFT ENGINE BEGAN TO LOSE POWER. THE PILOT THEN INITIATED A FORCED LANDING ATTEMPT. HE STATED THAT THE AIRPLANE BROKE OUT OF THE OVERCAST ABOUT 600 TO 900 FEET ABOVE GROUND LEVEL IN SNOW AND BLOWING SNOW RESTRICTING VISIBILITY, PRIOR TO IMPACT WITH WIRES AND A TREE, DURING THE LANDING. THE ACCIDENT SITE WAS ABOUT FIVE MILES EAST OF THE AIRPORT. SUBSEQUENT EXAMINATION REVEALED NO PREEXISTING ANOMALIES.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's improper use of carburetor heat. Factors were carburetor icing conditions, snow, and blowing snow.

Full Narrative

On February 7, 1995, at 1520 eastern standard time, a Piper PA- 23, N2092P, registered to Ronald A. Hoffmeyer of Hampshire, Illinois, and operated by an instrument rated commercial pilot, suffered a partial loss of power on one engine while in cruise flight. While attempting an ILS approach to a precautionary landing at Benton Harbor, Michigan, a power loss on the remaining engine occurred. The airplane impacted wires, trees, and the terrain approximately five miles short of runway 27 at Benton Harbor, Michigan. The airplane received substantial damage. The pilot and two passengers reported no injuries. The personal 14 CFR Part 91 flight was operating on an IFR flight plan in instrument meteorological conditions. The flight had departed Waukegan, Illinois, at 1330 central standard time, with the intended destination of Plymouth, Michigan. The pilot stated that the right engine began "missing" and lost power gradually. He stated that he tried mixtures forward (rich), boost pumps on, and fuel back on mains. When he applied carburetor heat, he observed a loss of 300 rpm, which he considered normal and turned it off after 30 to 45 seconds. When the first engine began to lose power, the airplane was on "top" of an overcast, according to the pilot, but after losing power the airplane descended into the clouds (visible moisture). While in the clouds, he elected to shut down the right engine due to the continued roughness. After the right engine was shut down and during the descent the left engine began to lose power which continued. The pilot decided that continued flight to the airport was not possible and he elected to make an off airport emergency landing. The pilot stated that the airplane "broke out" between 600 and 900 feet above ground level with snow and blowing snow restricting visibility. An examination of the engines and airframe subsequent to the accident failed to reveal any pre-existing anomalies. Temperature and dew point for Benton Harbor, Michigan, were 21 degrees (F), and 13 degrees (F) respectively.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:20 EST
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-23
Tail NumberN2092P
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines2
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-A1A · Reciprocating · 160
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (3 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured3
Total3
Crew 1Age 24 · First Class

Conditions

ConditionsIMC
LightDaylight
Wind360° @ 10 kt, gusting 20 kt
Visibility1 sm
CeilingOvercast 1200 ft
Temperature / Dew Point21 C / 12 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time20:35
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data