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

June 20, 1995 · Bell 47G3B1 · N101VB

Livingston, AL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 20, 1995
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury)
Location
Livingston, AL
Aircraft
Bell 47G3B1
Tail Number
N101VB
Operator
Morris Helicopters
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ATL95LA115

THE PILOT STATED THAT WHILE RETURNING TO RELOAD THE AIRCRAFT WITH CHEMICALS, THE AIRCRAFT ENGINE LOST POWER. HE ATTEMPTED AN AUTOROTATION INTO A FIELD, BUT THE THICK VEGETATION PREVENTED HIM FROM OBSERVING THE GROUND, AND THE HELICOPTER FELL ABOUT 20 FEET PRIOR TO IMPACTING THE TERRAIN. EXAMINATION OF THE AIRCRAFT ENGINE DID NOT REVEAL ANY PROBLEMS WHICH WOULD HAVE PREVENTED THE ENGINE FROM OPERATING.

NTSB Probable Cause

The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.

Full Narrative

On June 20, 1995, at 1600 central daylight time, a Bell 47G3B1, N101VB, was substantially damaged following a collision with terrain during a forced landing near Livingston, Alabama. The commercial pilot received serious injuries in the accident. The aircraft was being operated under the provisions of CFR Part 91 by Morris Helicopters of Deatsville, Alabama. Visual meteorological conditions existed at the time, and no flight plan had been filed for the local agricultural flight. Witnesses in the area reported hearing the helicopter engine make a popping noise. The helicopter was observed descending and turning toward an open area just prior to impact with the terrain. The pilot stated that he was returning to the truck platform to reload with chemicals, when the aircraft engine lost power. He executed an autorotation into field, but was unable to see the ground due to the vegetation. He stated that the aircraft fell about 20 feet prior to impacting the terrain. Examination of the aircraft engine revealed that there was continuity of the engine drive train. The induction system was clear of obstructions, and the air filter was intact. The carburetor throttle valve, main nozzle and venturi were intact. There was fuel found in the carburetor bowl, and the fuel was free of contamination. The engine spark plugs appeared to have moderate wear, and the electrode gaps were the correct spacing. The magnetos, and ignition wiring were examined and found to be operational.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:00 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBell 47G3B1
Tail NumberN101VB
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorMorris Helicopters
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · VO-540-B1B3 · Reciprocating · 260
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 65 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind350° @ 6 kt
Visibility4 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 1900 ft
Temperature / Dew Point64 F
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time22:52
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data