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

March 23, 1996 · Piper J3C-65 · N26046

Nashville, TN

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 23, 1996
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (5 uninjured)
Location
Nashville, TN
Aircraft
Piper J3C-65
Tail Number
N26046
Operator
Edgar T Savidge
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ATL96LA069

The Piper PA-28, N120CC, and the Piper J3C, N26046, were taxiing for takeoff onto the airport ramp area that funnels into taxiway R1. The pilot of the PA-28 stated that after entering the airport ramp area he remained stationary. A preceding Cessna 172 had entered the R1 taxiway and met oncoming traffic. The C-172 made a 180 degree turn to exit the R1 taxiway back onto the ramp. When the pilot of the J3 observed the C-172 turning around, he turned to the right to clear the taxiway-to-ramp throat. As the J3 turned, the propeller and left wing of each airplane contacted the left wing and propeller of the opposing airplane. The pilot of the J3 stated he did not see that the PA-28 had entered the ramp area, and was not able to stop the J3 before the collision.

NTSB Probable Cause

the failure of the pilot of the Piper PA-28, N26046, to visually clear the intended taxi course.

Full Narrative

On March 23, 1996, about 1620 central standard time a Piper J3C-65, N26046, and a Piper PA-28R-201, N120CC, collided while both airplanes were taxiing for takeoff at the John C. Tune Airport, Nashville, Tennessee. Both airplanes were operated by the pilots under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91, and visual flight rules. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. Both pilots, and the three passengers of the Piper PA-28, were not injured. The J3 sustained substantial damage and the PA-28 had minor damage. Both flights were preparing to depart the airport at the time of the accident. The J3 and PA-28 were taxiing for takeoff onto the airport ramp area that funnels into taxiway R1. The pilot of the PA-28 stated that after entering the airport ramp area, he remained stationary. A preceding Cessna 172 had entered the R1 taxiway and met oncoming traffic. The 172 made a 180 degree turn to exit the R1 taxiway, back onto the ramp. When the pilot of the J3 observed the 172 turning around, he turned to the right to clear the taxiway-to-ramp throat. As the J3 turned, the propeller and left wing of each airplane contacted the left wing and propeller of the opposing airplane. The pilot of the J3 stated he did not see that the PA-28 had entered the ramp area, and was not able to stop the J3 before the collision. The pilot of the J3 indicated his airplane did not experience any brake failure.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:20 CST
Nearest AirportJohn C. Tune (0nm)
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper J3C-65
Tail NumberN26046
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorEdgar T Savidge
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · C65 · Reciprocating · 65 | Lycoming · IO-360-C1C6 · Reciprocating · 200
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (5 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured5
Total5
Crew 1Age 51 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind120°
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point52 / 19 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time20:55
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data