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

September 21, 1998 · Cessna 152 · N94286

West Lafayette, IN

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 21, 1998
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
West Lafayette, IN
Aircraft
Cessna 152
Tail Number
N94286
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI98LA359

The student pilot was performing a touch and go. During the maneuver, he landed hard. During the takeoff, at approximately 40 to 45 knots, the airplane quickly swerved to the left. The student pilot said that he 'stepped on the right rudder and tried to control the airplane, but couldn't.' The airplane went through the grass, hit the nose and stopped. Examination of the airplane revealed no anomalies.

NTSB Probable Cause

the student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the touch and go takeoff.

Full Narrative

On September 21, 1998, at 1745 eastern standard time (est), a Cessna, 152, N94286, operated by a solo student pilot, sustained substantial damage when during a touch-and-go takeoff, the airplane veered left off of the runway and impacted into a ditch. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The personal flight was being conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. There was no flight plan on file. The student pilot reported no injuries. The local flight originated at West Lafayette, Indiana, at 1730 est. In his written statement, the student pilot said that he was performing a touch and go. During the maneuver, he landed hard. During the takeoff, at approximately 40 to 45 knots, the airplane quickly swerved to the left. The student pilot said that he "stepped on the right rudder and tried to control the airplane, but couldn't." The airplane went through the grass, hit the nose and stopped. The student pilot's instructor said that he observed the airplane make a normal landing on the runway. He saw the airplane slow down and heard the power applied. The instructor pilot said that he then saw the airplane turn 90 degrees to the left and depart the runway. The airplane went through the grass, crossed the airport's other runway, went through more grass until coming to a ditch. The airplane tilted forward on its nose and left wingtip, coming to a stop. A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector examined the airplane at the Purdue University Airport. The airplane's left wingtip was crushed inward and aft. The left wing's rear spar was bent aft and up. The nose gear was bent aft. The lower engine mount was broken. Both propeller blades were bent aft. Flight control continuity was confirmed. No anomalies were revealed in the engine, engine controls, or other airplane systems.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time18:45 EDT
Nearest AirportPurdue University Airport (1nm NE)
Runway5
Runway Length4226 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 152
Tail NumberN94286
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-235-N2C · Reciprocating · 110
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 31 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind360° @ 10 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 12000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point55
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time22:54
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data