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 15, 1998 · Piper PA-22-160 · N198TP

Clarksburg, CA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 15, 1998
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Clarksburg, CA
Aircraft
Piper PA-22-160
Tail Number
N198TP
Operator
Michael S Pavao
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX98LA157

The pilot reported that prior to taking off for the planned 10-minute-long flight both fuel tanks contained over 5 gallons of fuel, and all airplane systems were functioning normally. The pilot arrived at his destination airport and entered the traffic pattern. Carburetor heat was applied, the throttle was retarded, and the airplane descended. After turning onto the base leg the pilot moved the throttle forward to increase engine power, and the engine 'blubbered and totally lost power.' Unable to glide to the runway, the pilot made a forced landing in a soft field adjacent to the airport, and the airplane nosed over. The FAA coordinator responded to the accident site and examined the wreckage. The FAA reported it examined the powerplant, induction system, engine controls, and magnetos. The ignition switch and the carburetor were also functionally examined. No evidence was found of any mechanical malfunctions. The reason for the interruption of engine power was not determined.

NTSB Probable Cause

A total loss of engine power for undetermined non-mechanical reasons. A contributing factor in the landing nose-over was the presence of the soft terrain.

Full Narrative

On May 14, 1998, at 1800 hours Pacific daylight time, a Piper PA-22-160, N198TP, registered to the Aircraft Owner's and Pilot's Association (AOPA), experienced a total loss of engine power in the traffic pattern at the uncontrolled Clarksburg Airport, Clarksburg, California. Unable to glide to the runway, the commercial pilot made a forced landing in a soft field and the airplane nosed over. The airplane was substantially damaged, and the pilot received minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the personal flight, and no flight plan was filed. The flight originated from Sacramento, California, at 1750. The pilot reported that prior to taking off for the planned 10-minute-long flight both fuel tanks contained over 5 gallons of fuel, and all airplane systems were functioning normally. The pilot arrived at Clarksburg and entered the traffic pattern. Carburetor heat was applied, the throttle was retarded, and the airplane descended. The pilot further stated that after turning onto the base leg he moved the throttle forward to increase engine power, and the engine "blubbered and totally lost power." The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) coordinator responded to the accident site and examined the wreckage. The FAA reported it examined the powerplant, induction system, engine controls, and magnetos. The ignition switch and the carburetor were also functionally examined. No evidence was found of any mechanical malfunctions.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time18:00 PDT
Nearest AirportBorges-Clarksburg (1nm)
Runway9
Runway Length2335 ft
Runway Width50 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-22-160
Tail NumberN198TP
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorMichael S Pavao
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-B2B · Reciprocating · 160
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 53 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind180° @ 8 kt
Visibility30 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data