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 19, 1998 · Waco YMF · N43064

Sedona, AZ

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 19, 1998
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured, 1 unknown outcome)
Location
Sedona, AZ
Aircraft
Waco YMF
Tail Number
N43064
Operator
Redrock Biplane Tours
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Minor
NTSB Number
LAX98LA165

A ground crewman was injured when rotating the propeller before engine start, and the propeller reversed in a 180-degree kickback. The pilot reported that the magnetos had been in the off position and only the master switch was on. An FAA inspector examined the ignition system and found no evidence of mechanical malfunction. He also reported that the aircraft had two 100-hour inspections within the past 2 months, at which time the ignition system was checked with no abnormalities noted.

NTSB Probable Cause

The failure of the pilot to secure the ignition system and magnetos in the off position before asking the ground crewman to rotate the propeller.

Full Narrative

On May 19, 1998, at 0856 hours mountain standard time, a ground crewman was struck by a propeller while rotating a propeller on a Waco YMF, N43064, at the Sedona, Arizona, airport. The aircraft sustained minor damage. The pilot and passenger, the sole occupants, were not injured; however, the ground crewman suffered serious injuries. The flight was originating at the time of the accident as a local area for-hire sightseeing operation, and visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The aircraft was parked on the ramp at a fixed-base operator. A ground crewman was pulling the propeller through before starting, and the propeller reversed in a 180-degree kickback. The ground crewman suffered two broken legs, along with other injuries, and was transported to a hospital. The ground crewman explained that it was the operator's usual practice to have the propeller rotated seven times before starting the engine to distribute oil through the cylinders. He stated that he had not specifically asked the pilot if the magneto switch was turned off, but said that since the pilot asked him to turn the propeller, he had assumed the switch was off. He further stated that he had hand-propped a propeller on several occasions prior to the accident. The pilot reported that the master avionics switch was turned on. He reported that as the ground crewman pulled the propeller through, he heard the engine kick over. The pilot shut down the master switch and exited the aircraft. He further reported that all other systems were in the off position. A Federal Aviation Administration inspector from the Scottsdale, Arizona, Flight Standards District Office conducted an examination of the ignition system. He reported that the aircraft is equipped with an electric starter. The inspector reported that the magnetos were grounded and he found no evidence of mechanical malfunction. He further reported that the aircraft had two 100-hour inspections within the past 2 months, at which time the ignition system was checked with no abnormalities noted.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time08:56 MST
Nearest AirportSEDONA (0nm)
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftWaco YMF
Tail NumberN43064
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageMinor
OperatorRedrock Biplane Tours
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsJacobs · R755B · Reciprocating · 275
Seats3

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured, 1 unknown outcome)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total3
Crew 1Age 25 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind200° @ 10 kt, gusting 15 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point63 F / 25 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time15:56
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data