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 15, 1997 · Piper PA-18-150 · N4101E

Chandler, AZ

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
January 15, 1997
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Chandler, AZ
Aircraft
Piper PA-18-150
Tail Number
N4101E
Operator
Chandler Air Service
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX97LA090

The flight instructor (CFI) reported that on roll-out from a touch-and-go landing, the student looked down for the flap handle as he raised the flaps. During this process, the aircraft started to go to the right. The CFI stated, 'I tried to correct to the left using rudder and aileron, then also using power, but the plane ground looped to the right and the left wing dipped, striking the ground.' Additionally, the CFI indicated that there were no mechanical malfunctions with the aircraft before the accident.

NTSB Probable Cause

failure of the student pilot to maintain directional control of the aircraft, and the flight instructor's inadequate supervision of the flight. The student's diverted attention was a related factor.

Full Narrative

On January 15, 1997, at 0841 hours mountain standard time, a Piper PA-18-150, N4101E, ground looped during the landing ground roll at the Chandler, Arizona, airport. The aircraft was operated by Chandler Air Service and was engaged in a dual instructional flight familiarizing the student with conventional landing gear aircraft. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and included light and variable winds of less than 2 knots. The aircraft incurred substantial damage to the left wing. Neither the commercial pilot/flight instructor nor the private pilot under instruction were injured. The flight originated at Chandler on the day of the accident at 0745. The flight instructor stated in his written report that on rollout from a touch-and-go landing the student looked down for the flap handle as he raised the flaps. During this process the aircraft started to go to the right. He noted that "I tried to correct to the left using rudder and aileron, then also using power, but the plane ground looped to the right and the left wing dipped, striking the ground." Additionally, the pilot indicated that there were no mechanical malfunctions with the aircraft prior to the accident. The aircraft had accumulated 36 hours over a 3 week period since the last 100-hour inspection was performed.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time08:41 MST
Nearest AirportChandler Municipal (0nm)
Runway22R
Runway Length4395 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-18-150
Tail NumberN4101E
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorChandler Air Service
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-A2B · Reciprocating · 150
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 25 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind2 kt
Visibility30 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point61 F / 0 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time14:50
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data