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 · Hulliberger Starduster II Starduster · N939H

Berrien Springs, MI

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 27, 1997
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Berrien Springs, MI
Aircraft
Hulliberger Starduster II Starduster
Tail Number
N939H
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI97LA186

The pilot in command reported that after an hour long local flight he was returning to make a full stop landing on runway 30. The pilot reported that the touchdown was, 'very smooth and normal, with the power at idle.' The pilot stated that during the landing rollout, 'the aircraft pitched forward and then rotated violently to the left.' The pilot reported that during the left rotation, 'the airplane rolled up onto both right wingtips, and then fell vertically onto its nose.' The airplane came to rest in a nose down attitude, supported by the left wing and right main gear. The left main landing gear axle and support tube were sent to the National Transportation Safety Board Materials Laboratory Division for inspection. The lab report states there was evidence 'indicative of a preexisting brittle fracture area such as fatigue cracking.' The inspection also revealed thinned areas of the tube.

NTSB Probable Cause

the failure of the landing gear axle due to fatigue.

Full Narrative

On June 26, 1997, at 1948 eastern standard time, a Hulliberger Starduster II, N939H, operated by a commercial pilot, sustained substantial damage when the landing gear collapsed during landing rollout. The commercial pilot reported minor injuries. The 14 CFR Part 91 flight departed Andrews University Airpark Airport, Berrien Springs, Michigan, for a local personal flight at 1845 eastern standard time. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. In his written statement, the pilot in command reported that after an hour long local flight he was returning to make a full stop landing on Runway 30. The pilot reported that the touchdown was, "very smooth and normal, with the power at idle." The pilot stated that during the landing rollout "the aircraft pitched forward and then rotated violently to the left." The pilot reported that during the left rotation, "the airplane rolled up onto both right wingtips, and then fell vertically onto its nose." The airplane came to rest in a nose down attitude, supported by the left wing and right main gear. The left main landing gear axle and support tube were sent to the National Transportation Safety Board Materials Laboratory Division for inspection. The lab report states there was evidence "indicative of a preexisting brittle fracture area such as fatigue cracking." The inspection also revealed thinned areas of the tube. The full metallurgical report is an attachment to this report.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time20:48 EDT
Nearest AirportAndrews University (1nm NNE)
Runway3
Runway Length2075 ft
Runway Width200 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftHulliberger Starduster II Starduster
Tail NumberN939H
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · 670W · Reciprocating · 220
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 43 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind290° @ 4 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point54
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time23:54
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data