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

October 24, 1997 · Cessna 170B · N3155A

Fernley, NV

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 24, 1997
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Fernley, NV
Aircraft
Cessna 170B
Tail Number
N3155A
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX98LA020

The pilot was landing on an unlighted runway. While on short final his landing light began reflecting off an airborne mist, so he switched it off. He still had visual contact and elected to continue. As he began to flare, he lost all outside visual references. He attempted a go-around but the right wing struck the runway. The aircraft rebounded and then the left wing struck the runway. The aircraft then pitched down, settled, and slid to a stop on the runway. The pilot was able to exit the aircraft the aircraft without difficulty. The pilot reported that the airport is located in a valley that is below the level of the surrounding terrain. There is no instrument approach associated with the airport.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance during a delayed go-around after an improper decision to continue an approach to an unlighted runway without adequate visual references. Ground fog was a factor in this accident.

Full Narrative

On October 24, 1997, at 0250 hours Pacific daylight time, a Cessna 170B, N3155A, collided with the runway while landing at Tiger Field in Fernley, Nevada. The aircraft sustained substantial damage; however, the pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. The aircraft was being operated as a personal flight by its pilot/owner when the accident occurred. The flight originated in North Las Vegas, Nevada, at 2330 on October 23. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the accident site and no flight plan was filed. The moon was 21.1 degrees above a level horizon with 38 percent illumination. The pilot was making an approach to unlighted airport. He reported that at the time of the approach the sky was clear. At 800 feet agl he was able to maintain reference to surrounding terrain; however, at 50 to 100 feet agl the lights from the town of Fernley washed out all ground references. He abandoned the approach to runway 15, made a go-around, and set up an approach to runway 33. While on short final to runway 33, his landing light began reflecting off an airborne mist, so he switched it off. He still had visual contact with terrain and elected to continue the approach. As he began to flare, he lost all outside visual references. He attempted another go-around but during the procedure, the right wing struck the runway. The aircraft rebounded and then the left wing struck the runway. The aircraft then pitched down, settled, and slid to a stop on the runway. The pilot was able to exit the aircraft through the cabin door without difficulty. The pilot reported that the airport is located in a valley that is below the level of the surrounding terrain. There is no instrument approach associated with the airport.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time02:50 PDT
Nearest AirportTiger Field (0nm)
Runway33
Runway Length4165 ft
Runway Width55 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 170B
Tail NumberN3155A
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360-A1A · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 48 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDark Night
Wind100° @ 4 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 500 ft
Temperature / Dew Point39 C / 28 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time09:56
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data