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

June 27, 1997 · Pzl-Mielec M-18A · N7015N

Manito, IL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 27, 1997
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Manito, IL
Aircraft
Pzl-Mielec M-18A
Tail Number
N7015N
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI97LA185

The pilot reported that he departed runway 22 using 40 inches of manifold pressure. During takeoff climb, the engine lost power. As the pilot attempted to dump the chemical load, the engine regained full power. The pilot reported that the airplane was too low, and it impacted a powerline, then impacted the ground. The airplane bounced back into the air. The pilot reported that he flew back to land, and received confirmation that the landing gear were operable before he landed. He flew for about a total of five minutes before making an uneventful landing. Witnesses reported that the engine sounded fine as the airplane was taxiied back to the hangar. The engine was inspected, and no anomaly was found.

NTSB Probable Cause

loss of engine power for undetermined reason(s).

Full Narrative

On June 27, 1997, at 0950, central daylight time, a Pzl Mielec, M-18A, N7015N, operated by Mitchell Flying Service, sustained substantial damage during takeoff when it experienced a loss of power, hit a powerline, and impacted a field. The aircraft was able to become airborne again and returned to land at Manito Mitchell Airport, Manito, Illinois. The 14 CFR Part 137 crop duster had departed the airport on a local aerial application flight. The commercial pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The pilot reported that he departed runway 22 using 40 inches of manifold pressure. During takeoff climb the engine lost power. As the pilot was attempting to dump the chemical load the engine regained power. The pilot reported that the airplane was too low and it impacted a powerline and then impacted the ground. The impact separated the chemical sprayer from the airplane which dumped the chemical load. The airplane bounced back into the air. The pilot reported that he flew back to land but received confirmation that the landing gear were operable before he landed. He flew for about a total of five minutes before making an uneventful landing. Witnesses reported that the engine sounded fine when it taxiied back to the hangar. The engine was inspected by an Airworthiness Inspector from the Federal Aviation Administration and no anomalies were found.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:50 CDT
Nearest AirportManito Mitchell (0nm)
Runway22
Runway Length3000 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPzl-Mielec M-18A
Tail NumberN7015N
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsWsk · ASZ-621R-16 · Reciprocating · 954
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 64 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind170° @ 4 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point63 F
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time13:54
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data