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

February 1, 1997 · Cessna A150L · N50TB

Trinity, AL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 1, 1997
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 fatalities)
Location
Trinity, AL
Aircraft
Cessna A150L
Tail Number
N50TB
Operator
Billy D Parker
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
ATL97FA034

A few minutes after takeoff, the airplane was next seen flying in the vicinity of the accident site. One eyewitness stated that when the airplane first flew overhead, it was just above the tree tops. Another eyewitness observed the airplane as the pilot made several low passes. On the last low pass, the pilot initiated a steep climb which terminated in what was described as a 'hammerhead stall.' The airplane entered a spin, descended from about 500 feet, and crashed adjacent to a single family dwelling, hitting a tree and utility line as it descended to the ground. All aircraft components were located in the immediate vicinity of the main wreckage. Subsequent examination of the engine assembly failed to disclose a mechanical problem. Examination of the airframe and aircraft systems also failed to disclose a mechanical problem.

NTSB Probable Cause

failure of the pilot to maintain flying airspeed, while maneuvering at low altitude, which resulted in a stall and subsequent collision with a tree, utility line, and the ground.

Full Narrative

HISTORY OF FLIGHT On February 1, 1997, at 0921 central standard time, a Cessna A150L, N50TB, collided with utility lines and a tree while maneuvering over a residential area near Trinity, Alabama. The personal flight operated under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91 with no flight plan filed. Visual weather conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The airplane was destroyed. The pilot and passenger were fatally injured. The flight departed Pryor Field in Decatur, Alabama, at 0900. Friends of the pilot and passenger reported that they had planned to go flying after they got off work on the morning of the accident. An official of Decatur/Athens Aero Services reported that the pilot arrived at the airport at approximately 0900 hours, entered flight operation alone, and rented N50TB for about two hours. A few minutes after takeoff from Pryor Field, the airplane was seen flying in the vicinity of Trinity, Alabama. One eyewitness stated that, when the airplane first flew overhead, it was just above the tree tops. Another witness observed the airplane as the pilot made several low passes. On the last low pass, the pilot initiated a steep climb which terminated in what was described as a "hammerhead stall." The airplane entered a spin, descended from about 500 feet, and collided with utility lines adjacent to a single family dwelling (see attached witness statements). PERSONNEL INFORMATION Information about the pilot is included in this report under the data field labeled "First Pilot" on page 3 of the factual report. The pilot's flight logs were not recovered for examination, and Decatur/Athens Aero services did not have recorded data about the pilot's recent flight experience. AIRCRAFT INFORMATION Information about the airplane is included in this report under the data field labeled "Aircraft Information" on page 2 of the factual report. METEOROLOGICAL INFORMATION Visual weather conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. Weather information is contained in this report under the data field labeled "Weather Information" on page 4 of the factual report. WRECKAGE AND IMPACT INFORMATION The airplane impacted the ground adjacent to Mud Tavern Road in the community of Trinity. Examination of the accident site disclosed that the airplane wreckage was scattered over an area the approximate dimensions of the airframe. The horizontal stabilizer and vertical fin assemblies rested along the edge of the paved county road. The nose section of the airframe rested in the drainage ditch adjacent to the road surface. Additional debris from the damaged tree and downed utility lines was located in the immediate vicinity of the impact site. Despite the closeness of the accident site to a single family dwelling, the structure sustained minimal damage. Examination of the aircraft wreckage at the accident site revealed that engine and propeller assemblies were buried two feet into the ground. The engine firewall was displaced aft into the pilot's and passenger's stations. Both aircraft seats were dislodged from their normally installed positions; the cockpit floor and seat tracks assemblies sustained buckling deformation. The leading edges of both wing assemblies sustained perpendicular crushing damage, and the wing assemblies were deflected aft from their normally installed positions. The pilot's station and the fuselage livable space sustained crushing damage. Despite impact damage to the airframe, flight control cables and fittings were examined at their normally installed positions. All aircraft components were located in the immediate vicinity of the main wreckage. The subsequent examination of the engine assembly failed to disclose a mechanical problem. Examination of the airframe and aircraft systems also failed to disclose a mechanical problem. MEDICAL AND PATHOLOGICAL INFORMATION The autopsy on the pilot was conducted by Dr..Joseph Emory, on February 2, 1997 at the Alabama Department of Forensic Science in Birmingham, Alabama. The Toxicological examinations were negative for drugs and alcohol. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION The aircraft wreckage was released to, Mr. Edward C. Smith, President, Decatur/Athens Aero Services.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:21 CST
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna A150L
Tail NumberN50TB
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
OperatorBilly D Parker
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · O-200-A · Reciprocating · 100
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (2 fatalities)
Fatal2
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 26 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind180° @ 5 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point50 / 39 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time14:58
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data