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

January 16, 1993 · Keller Varieze · N90LH

Portland, TX

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
January 16, 1993
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury), 1 uninjured
Location
Portland, TX
Aircraft
Keller Varieze
Tail Number
N90LH
Operator
Weeden Paul H
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
FTW93LA071

WHILE MANEUVERING OVER WATER THE ENGINE LOST POWER DUE TO CARBURETOR ICE. THE PILOT ATTEMPTED TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM, WITHOUT SUCCESS. HE ATTEMPTED TO GLIDE TO THE SHORELINE, HOWEVER, HE WAS UNABLE TO DO SO. HE ELECTED TO LAND THE AIRPLANE IN THE WATER. ACCORDING TO THE ICING PROBABILITY CHART THE ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS WERE CONDUCIVE TO SERIOUS CARBURETOR ICING. TEMPERATURE AND DEW POINT WERE 67 AND 55 DEGREES RESPECTIVELY

NTSB Probable Cause

A LOSS OF ENGINE POWER DUE TO CARBURETOR ICING AND THE LACK OF SUITABLE TERRAIN FOR A FORCED LANDING.

Full Narrative

On January 16, 1993, at 1140 central standard time, a Keller Varieze, N90LH, was destroyed on water impact following a forced landing due to loss of engine power near Portland, Texas. Weather for the 14 CFR Part 91 flight was visual meteorological conditions. The pilot owner was not injured, however, his passenger sustained minor injuries. During interviews conducted by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector, the pilot stated that he was maneuvering over Nueces Bay, near Portland, Texas, when he experienced carburetor icing. He further reported that he attempted to correct the problem using published procedures, however, his engine ingested the ice and the engine shut down. The pilot reported he attempted to glide the two miles to the shore line, however, he was unable to reach it. The airplane impacted the water and both occupants were rescued by a fishing vessel. A review of the icing probability chart revealed that the airplane was operating in environmental conditions conducive to serious carburetor icing.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:40 CST
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftKeller Varieze
Tail NumberN90LH
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
OperatorWeeden Paul H
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-235-L2C · Reciprocating · 112
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury), 1 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured1
Total2
Crew 1Age 50 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind140° @ 5 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 25000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point66 F / 55
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data