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

December 27, 1995 · Cessna 172M · N172DA

Excelsior Sprg, MO

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 27, 1995
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (1 serious injury, 1 minor injury)
Location
Excelsior Sprg, MO
Aircraft
Cessna 172M
Tail Number
N172DA
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI96LA062

The pilot flew off course during the flight and became disoriented, and was attempting to land at an unfamiliar airport. He made three passes down the runway but was unable to see a wind sock. He stated he then landed on Runway 19 on the numbers and applied brakes; however, when the airplane did not slow down he applied full power to take off. The airplane became airborne and contacted trees near the end of the runway. A witness stated the airplane touched down then porpoised on the runway prior to taking off. The pilot reported the last wind information he received from flight service indicated winds from 330 degrees at 10 mph. The witness reported local winds at the time were from 350 degrees at 9 knots.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's selection of the wrong runway for landing and the delayed aborted landing. Factors associated with the accident were the tailwind condition and the pilot's inadequate level-off.

Full Narrative

On December 26, 1995, at 2215 central standard time, a Cessna 172M, N172DA, operated by a private pilot collided with trees and the terrain while landing at the Excelsior Springs Memorial Airport, Excelsior Springs, Missouri, while on a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The airplane was substantially damaged. The pilot received minor injuries and the passenger was seriously injured. The flight departed Jefferson, Missouri, at 2034 cst. The pilot stated that after departing Jefferson, Missouri, he flew off course and became disoriented. The pilot located an airport, but was unable to determine which airport it was. He stated he made three low passes over the runway in an attempt to determine its suitability for landing and that he did not see the wind sock. He reported that on the fourth pass, he touched down on the runway numbers and applied brakes. He reported the brakes did not slow the airplane so he "immediately applied power" and turned off the carburetor heat. He stated the airplane "jumped 60'" at which time he nosed the airplane down and retracted the flaps. He stated he was unaware of the trees which bordered the side and end of the runway. He stated that he banked the airplane to the right when he realized he was not going to clear the trees. The airplane contacted the trees and came to rest in a wooded area. The pilot was attempting the landing on runway 19 (2,000' x 47'). The pilot reported the last wind information he received from flight service reported winds from "330 degrees at 10 MPH." A weather observation taken approximately 45 minutes after the accident, at an airport 16 miles away reported winds from 350 degrees at 9 knots. A witness to the accident reported the airplane touched down near the end of the runway then it began to porpoise. In addition, he reported that the airplane was approximately 2/3 the way down the runway prior to hearing full power being applied.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time22:15 CST
Nearest AirportExcelsior Springs Mem. (0nm S)
Runway19
Runway Length2000 ft
Runway Width47 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 172M
Tail NumberN172DA
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-E2D · Reciprocating
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (1 serious injury, 1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 55 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightBright Night
Wind350° @ 9 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point28 C / 25 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time05:04
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data