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 17, 1998 · Bell 47-GB31 · N92HA

Olathe, CO

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 17, 1998
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Olathe, CO
Aircraft
Bell 47-GB31
Tail Number
N92HA
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
FTW98LA315

While on its third aerial application pass, to dispense a rinse load, the helicopter flew into its own wake turbulence and had insufficient power to overcome the settling which ensued. The helicopter struck the ground in a nose low attitude and the main rotor blades severed the tail boom. Density altitude at the time was computed to be approximately 8,900 feet.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's inadequate in-flight planning which resulted in an encounter with his own wake turbulence. Related factors were high density altitude and wake turbulence.

Full Narrative

On July 17, 1998, at 1230 mountain daylight time, a Bell 47-GB31 helicopter, N92HA, settled to a hard landing while maneuvering near Olathe, Colorado, during an aerial application flight. The commercial pilot and sole occupant was not injured and the helicopter sustained substantial damage. The flight was being operated as an aerial application flight under Title 14 CFR Part 137, and no flight plan was filed. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. According to the pilot, he was dispensing a rinse load and had made three passes over the same path. He said the wind came up as he turned the helicopter for another pass and he flew into his own wake turbulence. The pilot said he had insufficient power to overcome the ensuing descent and the helicopter settled onto the ground in a nose low attitude. This caused the main rotor blades to strike the tail boom and sever it from the aircraft. Density altitude at the time was computed to be approximately 8,900 feet.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:30 MDT
Nearest AirportClifford Field (0nm)
Runway17
Runway Length4000 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBell 47-GB31
Tail NumberN92HA
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · TVO-435-B1A · Reciprocating · 260
Seats3

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 52 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind350° @ 8 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point45 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time18:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data