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

November 21, 1997 · Beech 60 · N202RS

Athens, GA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 21, 1997
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury), 1 uninjured
Location
Athens, GA
Aircraft
Beech 60
Tail Number
N202RS
Operator
Robert a Morrison
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ATL98LA011

After completing an ILS approach to runway 27, the aircraft touched down at approximately the 1500 foot remaining point of the 5522 foot runway. The airplane continued off the departure end of runway 27 and skidded down an embankment, collapsing the nose gear in soft terrain. According to air traffic controllers, the pilot continued the approach after being issued the weather. The weather was 200 feet overcast and 1/4 mile visibility. Landing minimums for the approach were 200 feet and 3/4 mile visibility.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's improper in-flight planning/decision by attempting to land in weather that was below minimums, and his failure to attain a suitable touchdown point on the runway. Weather below landing minimums was a related factor.

Full Narrative

On November 21, 1997, about 1322 eastern standard time, a Beech 60, N202RS, overran the departure end of runway 27 and skidded down an embankment collapsing the nose gear at Athens/Ben Epps Airport in Athens, Georgia. The airplane was operated under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91 and instrument flight rules. Instrument meteorological conditions prevailed. The instrument rated private pilot was not injured, and the pilot rated passenger received minor injuries. The airplane was substantially damaged. The flight originated from Witham Field in Stuart, Florida with an instrument flight plan at 1030. According to the pilot, as he approached Athens, the controller indicated to him that the ceiling was 600 feet and the visibility was 3 miles. He decided to proceed on the ILS 27 approach. At the minimum descent altitude (MDA), 200 feet, the pilot stated he saw the airport and touched down. The pilot stated when he applied the brakes "nothing happened". He believed they were hydroplaning. The pilot did not believe he had runway left to execute the go-around, so he attempted to stop in the remaining runway. The airplane continued off the departure end of runway 27 and skidded down an embankment collapsing the nose gear in soft terrain. The pilot reported no mechanical problems with the airplane. According to the Air Traffic Controllers involved, they issued the clearance to land after giving the pilot the weather. They stated the ceiling was 200 feet overcast, and the visibility was 1/4 of a mile. The pilot continued the approach. Both controllers stated the airplane broke out of the clouds at approximately the midpoint of the runway. It then made a "quick descent" in an attempt to land. They stated the airplane touched down at approximately the 1500 foot remaining point of the 5522 foot runway. After it touched down, the controllers were unable to see the airplane, due to the poor visibility. The weather at Athens Airport was 200 feet overcast and 1/4 mile visibility with drizzle and fog. The ILS approach minimums for runway 27 was 200 feet and 3/4 mile visibility.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:22 EST
Nearest AirportAthens/Ben Epps (1nm W)
Runway27
Runway Length5522 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBeech 60
Tail NumberN202RS
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorRobert a Morrison
Operating RulePart 91
Engines2
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · TI0-541 · Reciprocating · 375
Seats6

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury), 1 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured1
Total2
Crew 1Age 60 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsIMC
LightDaylight
Wind70° @ 6 kt
Visibility0.2 sm
CeilingOvercast 200 ft
Temperature / Dew Point48 / 46
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time17:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data