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

May 11, 1998 · Piper PA-18-150 · N83679

Artesian, SD

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 11, 1998
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Location
Artesian, SD
Aircraft
Piper PA-18-150
Tail Number
N83679
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI98TA145

Purpose of the flight was predator (coyote) control for the State of South Dakota Department of Game, Fish, and Parks. The pilot and a gunner were attempting to chase a coyote out of a 'slew' into an alfalfa field when the accident occurred. The pilot reported they were in a left, slightly descending turn at an altitude of 150 feet above the ground when the stick went 'limp.' The pilot reported he added full power, leveled the wings, and applied forward stick pressure in an attempt to regain lift. The airplane continued to descend and it impacted the edge of the alfalfa field in a wings level attitude. Upon impact the main landing gear separated from the airplane and the airplane slid approximately 60 feet prior to nosing over. The pilot reported that he suspects 'wind shear' caused the accident. Winds reported 30 miles northwest of the accident site were from 140 degrees at 7 knots.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed which resulted in a stall.

Full Narrative

On May 11, 1998, at 0730 central daylight time, a Piper PA-18- 150, N83679, operated by the State of South Dakota, collided with the terrain following a loss of control while maneuvering over Artesian, South Dakota. The pilot and passenger received minor injuries. The airplane was substantially damaged. The public use flight was being operated under 14 CFR Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The local flight departed from Huron, South Dakota. Purpose of the flight was predator (coyote) control for the State of South Dakota Department of Game, Fish, and Parks. The pilot and a gunner were attempting to chase a coyote out of a "slew" into an alfalfa field when the accident occurred. The pilot reported they were in a left, slightly descending turn at an altitude of 150 feet above the ground when the stick went "limp." The pilot reported he added full power, leveled the wings, and applied forward stick pressure in an attempt to regain lift. According to the pilot the airplane continued to descend and it impacted the edge of the alfalfa field in a wings level attitude. Upon impact the main landing gear separated form the airplane and the airplane slid approximately 60 feet prior to nosing over. The pilot reported that he suspects "wind shear" caused the accident. Winds reported at Huron, South Dakota, (30 miles northwest of the accident site), at 0755 cdt, were from 140 degrees at 7 knots.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time07:30 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-18-150
Tail NumberN83679
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-B2B · Reciprocating · 160
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor2
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 55 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind140° @ 7 kt
Visibility6 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 6000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point52 / 48
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time12:55
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data