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 25, 1995 · Cessna 172G · N6094R

Nora Springs, IA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 25, 1995
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Nora Springs, IA
Aircraft
Cessna 172G
Tail Number
N6094R
Operator
Bell Douglas M
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI96LA040

THE PILOT REPORTED THAT WINDS WERE FROM 360 DEGREES AT 10 KNOTS. AT FIRST, HE DECIDED TO TAKE OFF TO THE WEST, BUT LATER DECIDED TO TAKEOFF TO THE EAST. NEAR THE EAST END OF THE RUNWAY, THERE WAS A 30 FOOT HIGH POWERLINE AND BUILDING TO THE NORTH. THE AIRPLANE CLEARED THE POWERLINE, BUT THE AIRSPEED CONTINUED TO DECREASE. THE PILOT SAID HE NOTED A FAINT SOUND OF THE STALL WARNING HORN AS THE LEFT WING DROPPED. THE AIRPLANE WAS BEING OPERATED OVER ITS MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE GROSS TAKEOFF WEIGHT. THE PILOT HAD USED THE SAMPLE WEIGHT THAT WAS REFERENCED IN THE PILOT'S OPERATING HANDBOOK, INSTEAD OF USING THE EQUIPMENT LIST WEIGHT.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's inadequate preflight planning/preparation, which resulted in loss of airspeed and a stall/mush as he was maneuvering to avoid obstructions off the end of the runway. Factors relating to the accident were: the unfavorable wind condition, high obstructions, and the airplane's excessive gross weight.

Full Narrative

On November 25, 1995, at 0813 central standard time (cst), a Cessna 172G, N6094R, piloted by a private pilot, was substantially damaged when it collided with the ground shortly after takeoff. The pilot and three passengers reported minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The personal 14 CFR Part 91 flight was not operating on a flight plan. The flight departed Spotts Fields, Nora Springs, Iowa, at 0813 cst. The pilot stated that the winds were reported at 360 degrees at 10 knots. The pilot decided to takeoff to the west, but after clearing the runway of cattle, decided to takeoff to the east. On the east end of the runway there is a 30 foot powerline and a building to the north along with tall evergreen trees. The pilot stated, "...didn't realize the building spot (with evergreens) would stop my north breeze of air just as I was approaching the high lines. I cleared the high line but lost my lift [stall]... with the airspeed continually reducing there was a faint sound of the stall warning horn then the left wing dropped... ." A Federal Aviation Administration Principal Maintenance Inspector (PMI) represented the NTSB during the on-scene investigation. The PMI's written report states that the airplane was operated over its maximum allowable gross takeoff weight, and that the pilot used the sample weight out of the Pilots Operating Handbook, instead of using the equipment list weight for N6094R. The equipment list, which was not in the airplane, was found in a filing cabinet at Forest City Aviation. There was a difference of 62 pounds more than what is listed on the sample empty weight.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time08:13 CST
Nearest AirportSpotts Field (0nm)
Runway9
Runway Length2500 ft
Runway Width200 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 172G
Tail NumberN6094R
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorBell Douglas M
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · O-300 · Reciprocating · 145
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 45 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind360° @ 8 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingOvercast 1100 ft
Temperature / Dew Point28 C / 25 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time13:50
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data