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 20, 1998 · Nord Sncan Stampe SV4C Stampe SV4 · N123SV

Ovilla, TX

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 20, 1998
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 fatality)
Location
Ovilla, TX
Aircraft
Nord Sncan Stampe SV4C Stampe SV4
Tail Number
N123SV
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
FTW98FA316

The pilot was performing precision aerobatic maneuvers in preparation for an upcoming overseas competition. A witness stated that she observed the airplane in a near vertical dive. The witness reported hearing the sound of the engine "revving up" during the descent. Physical evidence and signatures at the accident site indicated that the airplane impacted the ground in a nearly vertical attitude in a slight right turn. The pilot's 5-point seat belt harness system was found unfastened, suggesting she was attempting to bail out. A review of the airframe and engine records did not reveal evidence of any anomalies or uncorrected maintenance defects. During examination of the wreckage, flight control continuity was confirmed, and no anomalies were noted that would have prevented normal aircraft flight.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's failure to maintain control of the aircraft while performing aerobatic maneuvers.

Full Narrative

On July 20, 1998, at 0715 central daylight time, a Nord Stampe SV4C acrobatic airplane, N123SV, was destroyed following a loss of control while maneuvering near Orvilla, Texas. The instrument rated private pilot, sole occupant of the airplane, was fatally injured. The airplane was owned and operated by a private individual under Title 14 CFR Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed throughout the area for the local acrobatic flight for which a flight plan was not filed. The flight departed from the Eagle's Nest Estates Airport (2TSG), near Midlothian, Texas, approximately 20 minutes prior to the accident. According to the operator, the airplane departed for a scheduled early morning precision aerobatics flight in preparation for an upcoming overseas aerobatics competition. A witness who resides approximately two miles north of the accident site, reported observing the airplane practicing acrobatics maneuvers within the approved acrobatics box. The witness further stated that she observed the airplane "attempting to recover to the upright position from a nose dive." During the recovery maneuver, the airplane entered an "arching left turn which continued to ground impact." The witness further reporting hearing the sound of the engine revving up during the attempted recovery sequence. She added that the airplane disappeared out of her sight descending out of control. The wreckage of the 1946 vintage Belgian designed, French built biplane was found by law enforcement officers in an open pasture approximately a mile southwest of the O'Brien Airpark (F25), near Orvilla, Texas. Physical evidence and signatures at the accident site indicate that the airplane impacted the ground in a nearly vertical attitude in a slight right turn, on a measured heading of 135 degrees. All of the aircraft components were located within a 40 foot radius of the point of impact. Continuity was established to all the flight controls. There was no evidence of pre-impact or post impact fire. The pilot was wearing an emergency parachute. She was operating the airplane from the aft seat. Examination of the 5-point restraining system for the aft seat by the investigator in charge did not reveal any signs of deformation or stretching of the webbing. Fire/rescue personnel that responded to the accident site confirmed that the pilot was found unrestrained in the area of the aft seat.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time07:15 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftNord Sncan Stampe SV4C Stampe SV4
Tail NumberN123SV
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsRenault · 4PO3A · Reciprocating · 140
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 fatality)
Fatal1
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 53 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind180° @ 5 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point18 C / 15 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourceWIT

Appendix: Source Data