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 20, 1997 · Wsk Pzl Mielec M-18A · N148RA

Waldenburg, AR

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 20, 1997
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Waldenburg, AR
Aircraft
Wsk Pzl Mielec M-18A
Tail Number
N148RA
Operator
Leon E Jacobi
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
FTW97LA231

During the takeoff roll, the fully loaded agricultural airplane failed to become airborne. Subsequently, it overran the 2,100 foot runway and impacted the lip of a ditch at the end of the runway. Postaccident inspection of the airplane by the operator revealed that the flaps were in the full up position. The operator reported that he normally used flaps for takeoff, and the airplane flight manual indicated that takeoff flap settings of up to 10 degrees were approved for use as conditions required.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's improper planning/decision. The short runway and failure to use up to 10 degrees of flaps were related factors.

Full Narrative

On June 20, 1997, at 1630 central daylight time, a Wsk Pzl Mielec M-18A agricultural airplane, N148RA, was destroyed following a runway overrun on takeoff near Waldenburg, Arkansas. The commercial pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. The airplane was registered to a private individual and operated by G & L Aviation of Tuckerman, Arkansas. No flight plan was filed and visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the Title 14 CFR Part 137 local aerial application flight which was originating at the time of the accident. During a telephone interview conducted by the NTSB investigator-in-charge and on the enclosed Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, the operator reported that the pilot attempted to takeoff from the 2,100 foot private grass airstrip with a full hopper load of 3,300 pounds of fertilizer and 100 gallons of fuel on board. The operator further reported that "the aircraft failed to become airborne" and impacted the lip of a ditch at the end of the runway. The airplane then became airborne briefly before settling back to the ground and coming to rest approximately 100 yards from the end of the runway. According to the operator, the engine, the propeller, and the tailwheel separated from the fuselage. The main landing gear collapsed. Both wings were buckled, and the fuselage aft of the cockpit was twisted. The operator reported that the right flap was folded under the right wing; however, the left flap sustained only minor damage and appeared to be in the full up position. Regarding the use of flaps on takeoff, the normal procedures section of the PZL M18A "DROMADER" Flight Manual stated the following: "Flaps - EXTENDED as required. Take-off flap extension shall not exceed 10 degrees regardless of the loading or runway condition." The operator reported that he "normally" used flaps for takeoff.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:30 CDT
Nearest AirportPRIVATE (1nm SW)
Runway22
Runway Length2100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftWsk Pzl Mielec M-18A
Tail NumberN148RA
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
OperatorLeon E Jacobi
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsPezetel · ASZ-621R-M18 · Reciprocating · 967
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 60 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind210° @ 12 kt
Visibility7 sm
CeilingNone
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time21:55
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data