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

July 1, 1998 · Piper PA-28-161 · N4331M

Homestead, FL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 1, 1998
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Homestead, FL
Aircraft
Piper PA-28-161
Tail Number
N4331M
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ATL98LA089

According to the pilot, he entered a left downwind for runway 36. He touched down hard on the first landing, and the airplane bounced into the air. The pilot then pulled back on the controls, and the airplane sank, collided with the runway, and bounced a second time. The nose gear collapsed, and the propeller struck the ground on the second bounce. The airplane touched down for a third time and veered off the left side of the runway. According to the FAA, the airplane had wing damage and cracked engine mounts. The inspector stated the airplane made too steep of an approach which led him to begin bouncing down the runway. The pilot had 37 hours of total flying time.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's improper flare that resulted in a hard landing and porpoise, and his improper recovery from the bounced landing.

Full Narrative

On July 1, 1998, at 1130 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-28-161, N4331M, executed a hard landing at Homestead General Aviation Airport, Homestead, Florida. The solo, instructional flight was operated by the student pilot under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91 and visual flight rules. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. There was no flight plan filed. The airplane was substantially damaged, and the pilot was not injured. The flight departed Kendall-Tamiami Airport, Miami, Florida at 1115. According to the pilot, he entered a left downwind for runway 36. He touched down hard on the first landing, and the airplane bounced into the air. The pilot then pulled back on the controls, and the airplane sank, collided with the runway, and bounced a second time. The nose gear collapsed, and the propeller struck the ground on the second bounce. The airplane touched down for a third time and veered off the left side of the runway. According to the FAA, the airplane has wing damage and cracked engine mounts. The inspector stated the airplane made too steep of an approach which led him to begin bouncing down the runway. He also stated the pilot had only 37 hours of total time.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:30 EDT
Nearest AirportHomestead General Av. (1nm S)
Runway36
Runway Length4909 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-28-161
Tail NumberN4331M
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-D36 · Reciprocating · 160
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 32 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind150° @ 5 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 25000 ft
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time15:56
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data