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 29, 1995 · Cessna 172RG · N9502D

Weston, TX

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 29, 1995
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Weston, TX
Aircraft
Cessna 172RG
Tail Number
N9502D
Operator
Ate of Texas
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
FTW95LA281

THE TOP 6 INCHES OF THE VERTICAL STABILIZER AND RUDDER SEPARATED FROM THE AIRFRAME AFTER THE AIRPLANE STRUCK A POWER LINE DURING RECOVERY FROM A SIMULATED FORCED LANDING. THE POWER LINE WAS SUSPENDED 25 FEET ABOVE THE GROUND. NEITHER THE FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR NOR THE PILOT RECEIVING INSTRUCTION REPORTED SEEING THE WIRE PRIOR TO IMPACT. THE INSTRUCTOR TOOK OVER THE CONTROLS AFTER THE PILOT FLYING REPORTED A LOST OF RUDDER EFFECTIVENESS. A SUCCESSFUL PRECAUTIONARY LANDING WAS MADE AT A NEARBY AIRPORT.

NTSB Probable Cause

THE PILOT RECEIVING INSTRUCTION'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN CLEARANCE WITH POWER LINES WHILE MANEUVERING AT LOW ALTITUDE AND THE FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR'S INADEQUATE SUPERVISION. A FACTOR WAS THE INSTRUCTOR'S DECISION TO ALLOW THE SIMULATION TO CONTINUE TO SUCH A LOW ALTITUDE.

Full Narrative

On June 29, 1995, at 1630 central daylight time, a Cessna 172RG, N9502D, was substantially damaged after impacting a wire near Weston, Texas. The flight instructor and a commercial pilot receiving instruction were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the 14 CFR Part 91 instructional flight. According to the operator, the flight departed the Addison Airport at 1520 on an instructional flight in preparation for a certified flight instructor (CFI) check ride. After executing a simulated forced landing to an open field, the airplane struck a power line 25 feet above the ground while recovering from the simulated emergency. Neither pilot reported seeing the wire prior to impact. The commercial pilot flying reported losing rudder effectiveness after impact with the wire. The instructor pilot elected to take the controls of the aircraft and flew to a nearby airport, where he made a successful precautionary landing. Examination of the airplane revealed that the top 6 inches from the rudder and vertical stabilizer had separated.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:30 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledCvfr
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 172RG
Tail NumberN9502D
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorAte of Texas
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360-F1A6 · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 29 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind140° @ 10 kt
Visibility12 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 20000 ft
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time20:47
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data