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

July 13, 1996 · Cessna 172P · N98730

Fairfield, NJ

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 13, 1996
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Fairfield, NJ
Aircraft
Cessna 172P
Tail Number
N98730
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
NYC96LA149

During the takeoff roll, the control wheel would not move aft, and the pilot performed an aborted takeoff. During the aborted takeoff, the pilot reduced power, and extended full flaps. The airplane then porpoised and veered off the runway collapsing the nose gear. Examination of the wreckage did not disclose evidence of mechanical malfunctions. The Pilot's Operating Handbook, stated to retract the flaps when aborting the takeoff.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's improper aborted takeoff by extending full flaps which resulted in a porpoise. Subsequently, the airplane veered off the runway and the nose gear collapsed.

Full Narrative

On July 12, 1996 about 2130 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 172P, N98730, was substantially damaged during an aborted takeoff at the Essex County Airport, Fairfield, New Jersey. The certificated private pilot and passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local flight. There was no flight plan for the personal flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. The pilot stated that he had performed two previous takeoff and landings. During a third takeoff, the control wheel would not move aft, and he aborted the takeoff. During the aborted takeoff, the airplane porpoised and veered off the runway, where the nose gear collapsed, and the propeller struck the ground. According to a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Inspector, the pilot reported that during the aborted takeoff, he reduced power and extended full flaps. Examination of the wreckage by the FAA Inspector revealed no evidence of malfunctions with the airplane. In the Pilot's Operating Handbook, in the emergency procedures, for engine failure during takeoff run, it stated to 1. Throttle-IDLE. 2. Brakes-APPLY. 3. Wing Flaps-RETRACT. . . . The amplified procedures further stated: ". . .the most important thing to do is stop the airplane on the remaining runway. . . ."

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time21:30 EDT
Nearest AirportEssex County (0nm)
Runway22
Runway Length4553 ft
Runway Width80 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 172P
Tail NumberN98730
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320 · Reciprocating · 160
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 46 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind220° @ 4 kt
Visibility20 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time00:45
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data