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

September 21, 1996 · Pzl-Mielec 104-80 · N6630M

Aniak, AK

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 21, 1996
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Aniak, AK
Aircraft
Pzl-Mielec 104-80
Tail Number
N6630M
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ANC96LA159

The pilot reported he was on final approach to a small, unimproved landing site to drop off a hunting client. He said that while on short final approach a strong downdraft caused the airplane to slam to the ground causing extensive damage to the airplane. The pilot said the winds were approximately 18 knots with higher gusts. He reported that the airplane's glidepath was slightly low, and that the downdraft was caused by turbulence associated with the local terrain and wind gusts.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's improper glide path on final approach, and his inadequate compensation for the gusty wind conditions. Factors associated with the accident are the gusty winds and a downdraft.

Full Narrative

On September 20, 1996, about 1600 Alaska daylight time, a wheel equipped PZL-Mielec Wilga 104-80 airplane, N6630M, sustained substantial damage during an off airport landing approximately 52 miles east-southeast of Aniak, Alaska. The airline transport certificated pilot and the sole passenger aboard were not injured. The 14 CFR Part 91 flight operated in visual meteorological conditions. The purpose of the flight was to transport a hunting client to a hunting site. The flight last departed a local, rural hunting base camp, time unknown. The pilot reported he was making a landing approach to an off airport, unimproved site he routinely used to drop off a hunting client. The pilot said he was flying the airplane at 55 knots indicated airspeed on final approach, when a severe downdraft forced the airplane prematurely onto the landing surface. The airplane received substantial damage when it struck the runway. The pilot reported the wind to be about 18 to 20 knots from 220 degrees, with higher gusts. In his written report to the NTSB, the pilot noted his approach path to the landing site was slightly low, and the downdraft was caused by turbulence associated with the wind flowing over and down nearby terrain.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:00 AKDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledCvfr
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPzl-Mielec 104-80
Tail NumberN6630M
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsPzl-Kalisz · KAFAI14RA · Reciprocating · 260
Seats0

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 43 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind180° @ 18 kt, gusting 25 kt
Visibility25 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 5000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point36 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data