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

January 13, 1997 · Piper PA-34 · N2491U

Dillingham, AK

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
January 13, 1997
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Dillingham, AK
Aircraft
Piper PA-34
Tail Number
N2491U
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ANC97LA019

The pilot and a passenger were landing at night after making a cross-country flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a VFR flight plan was filed. The pilot reported he was demonstrating a VOR approach to the passenger. As the airplane touched down, the pilot noticed that a slight tail wind was present and the runway was slippery. He applied full power and executed a go-around. As the airplane began to climb, the pilot retracted the landing gear and flaps. He also began a slight left turn toward an unlit area of snow covered terrain. The airplane collided with the terrain and a tree, swerving the airplane to the right. The airplane came to rest in the snow with damage to the right wing, engine, propellers, and fuselage.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's failure to maintain sufficient altitude or clearance from terrain during a go-around. A factor related to the accident was: the dark, night condition.

Full Narrative

On January 12, 1997, about 2235 Alaska standard time, a wheel equipped Piper PA-34, N2491U, collided with terrain about 1/2 mile north of runway 01 at Dillingham, Alaska. The airplane was being operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) cross-country business flight under Title 14 CFR Part 91 when the accident occurred. The airplane, registered to and operated by the pilot, sustained substantial damage. The certificated commercial pilot and the sole passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. A VFR flight plan was filed. The flight originated at the Sand Point Airport at 2103. In a telephone conversation with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigator-in-charge (IIC), on January 13, 1997, at 0930 , the pilot reported he was demonstrating a VOR approach to runway 01 to the passenger. As the airplane touched down, the pilot noticed that a slight tail wind was present and the runway was slippery. He applied full power and executed a go-around. As the airplane began to climb, the pilot retracted the landing gear and flaps. He also began a slight left turn toward an unlit area of snow covered terrain. The airplane began to descend, and the pilot heard the airplane scrapping the surface of the snow. The airplane's right wing then struck a tree, swerving the airplane to the right. The airplane came to rest in the snow with damage to the right wing, engine propellers, and fuselage.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:35 AKST
Nearest AirportDillingham (1nm N)
Runway1
Runway Length6404 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-34
Tail NumberN2491U
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines2
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · TSIO-360-EB1 · Reciprocating · 200
Seats6

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 67 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDark Night
Wind120° @ 4 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingOvercast 6500 ft
Temperature / Dew Point34 C / 30 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time02:47
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data