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

May 27, 1997 · Piper PA-32-300 · N4510X

Tinian, CQ

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 27, 1997
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (5 uninjured)
Location
Tinian, CQ
Aircraft
Piper PA-32-300
Tail Number
N4510X
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX97LA196

The pilot reported that the takeoff was normal. As he attempted to adjust the pitch attitude during climb out of ground effect, the control yoke locked in position and could not be moved fore or aft. He aborted the takeoff and porpoised the remaining 1,500 feet down the runway collapsing the nose landing gear. A postaccident examination by two FAA inspectors failed to find any type of control interference. The inspectors reported that the company station manager said the pilot had initially reported 'odd vibrations' just before the abort.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's improper takeoff abort. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's improper preflight planning and preparation.

Full Narrative

On May 27, 1997, about 0905 hours local island time, a Piper PA-32-300, N4510X, operated by Pacific Island Aviation, Inc., was substantially damaged during an aborted takeoff from the West Tinian Airport in the northern Mariana Islands. Neither the pilot nor the four passengers were injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the 14 CFR Part 135 flight and no flight plan was filed. The aircraft was departing for Saipan. According to the pilot, the takeoff was normal and after liftoff from runway 08, he could not move the control yoke forward or aft. He decided to abort and land straight ahead. The aircraft porpoised down the remaining 1,500 feet of runway collapsing the nose landing gear. A postaccident examination of the aircraft by two FAA inspectors failed to find any type of control interference. The inspectors reported that the company station manager said the pilot had initially reported "odd vibrations" just before the abort.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:05
Nearest AirportWest Tinian Island (0nm)
Runway8
Runway Length6000 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-32-300
Tail NumberN4510X
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 135
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-540 · Reciprocating · 300
Seats6

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (5 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured5
Total5
Crew 1Age 40 · First Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility7 sm
CeilingNone
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time16:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data