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

October 26, 1995 · Piper PA-34 · N8LP

Indianapolis, IN

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 26, 1995
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Indianapolis, IN
Aircraft
Piper PA-34
Tail Number
N8LP
Operator
Willard Nickish
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI96LA021

THE AIRCRAFT HAD JUST BEEN REFUELED PRIOR TO DEPARTURE. THE PILOT SAID HE DID NOT CHECK THE FUEL CAPS FOR SECURITY. AFTER TAKEOFF, FUEL BEGAN VENTING FROM THE LEFT TANK. THE PILOT RETURNED FOR LANDING, BUT DID NOT COMPLETE HIS NORMAL PRELANDING CHECKLIST AND LANDED GEAR UP. AIRPORT PERSONAL FOUND THE LEFT FUEL CAP ON THE RUNWAY. POSTFLIGHT CHECKS SHOWED THAT THE LANDING GEAR SYSTEM WAS OPERATING CORRECTLY.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's failure to lower the landing gear. Factors which contributed to the accident were: inadequate preflight necessitating a precautionary landing and the pilot's failure to use the pre-landing checklist.

Full Narrative

On October 26, 1995, at 1710 eastern standard time (est) a Piper PA34, N8LP, piloted by a commercial pilot was substantially damaged during a gear up landing on runway 18 (Dry asphalt, 5500'x100') at Terry Airport, Indianapolis, Indiana. The personal 14 CFR part 91 flight was not operating on a flight plan. Visual meteorological conditions existed at the time of the accident. The pilot reported no injuries. The flight departed Indianapolis, Indiana at 1705 est. During a telephone conversation with the pilot he stated that the aircraft had just been refueled prior to departure. The pilot said that during preflight he did not physically check the fuel caps for security. After takeoff the pilot noticed fuel venting from the left tank, and decided to return to the airport. A right hand traffic pattern was flown in an attempt to minimize fuel loss. The pilot stated that he did not complete his normal prelanding checklist, and could not remember if the gear warning horn sounded. Airport personal found the left fuel cap on the runway. Following the accident, the landing gear system functioned correctly.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time18:10 EDT
Nearest AirportIndianapolis Terry (0nm)
Runway18
Runway Length5500 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-34
Tail NumberN8LP
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorWillard Nickish
Operating RulePart 91
Engines2
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-360-C1E6 · Reciprocating · 200
Seats6

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 56 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind190° @ 10 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingOvercast 5500 ft
Temperature / Dew Point64 F / 63 F
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time22:51
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data