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

August 22, 1998 · Piper PA-28-180 · N3331R

Lapaz, IN

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 22, 1998
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Lapaz, IN
Aircraft
Piper PA-28-180
Tail Number
N3331R
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI98LA329

The pilot reported the airplane would not slow down during the landing roll with the use of brakes. He reported that he did not retract the flaps and the grass was wet from the previous night's rain. He reported he initiated a turn to the right into longer grass and was starting to make a 180 degree turn when the airplane contacted a fence at the end of the runway.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's inadequate preflight planning which resulted in landing on unsuitable terrain (wet, grass). Factors associated with the accident were the wet grass and the fence.

Full Narrative

On August 22, 1998, at 0930 eastern standard time, a Piper PA-28- 180, N3331R, operated by a private pilot was substantially damaged while landing at the Sherk Field in Lapaz, Indiana. The landing was being made to the east on the 2,100 foot long grass airstrip when the airplane traveled off the end of the airstrip and collided with a fence. The pilot was not injured. The 14 CFR Part 91 flight was being conducted in visual meteorological conditions and no flight plan was filed. The flight originated from Valparaiso, Indiana, at 0910 est. The pilot reported that upon touching down the airplane "...did not slow down by braking." He reported that he did not retract the flaps and the grass was wet from the previous night's rain. He reported he initiated a turn to the right into longer grass and was starting to make a 180 degree turn when the airplane contacted the fence at the end of the runway.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:30 EDT
Nearest AirportSherk Field (0nm)
Runway9
Runway Length2100 ft
Runway Width80 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-28-180
Tail NumberN3331R
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360-A4A · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 61 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind135° @ 3 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data