Overall Trends
Total, fatal, and serious accidents in the selected range.
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
Search everything
Fast key and full-text search with live filters, watches, and precise metadata.
Use quotes for exact phrase matches (for example "fuel selector valve").
Featured 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…
High-signal investigations
Major cases, deep-report coverage, and investigation media across decades of NTSB history.
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 manufacturersAirports
More airportsOperators
More operatorsAbout
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
May 29, 1993 · Let L-13 · N640RM
Elberta, AL
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 29, 1993
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Elberta, AL
Aircraft
Let L-13
Tail Number
N640RM
Operator
Coastal Soaring Associates
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ATL93LA097
ACCORDING TO THE PILOT, ABOUT FIFTEEN MINUTES INTO THE FLIGHT, HE DECIDED TO RETURN TO THE DEPARTURE POINT. UPON TURNING EASTWARD, HE ENCOUNTERED A CLOUD LAYER AT 4000 FEET. WHILE MANEUVERING AROUND THE CLOUDS, THE FLIGHT ENCOUNTERED A DOWNDRAFT, AT WHICH TIME, THE GLIDER DEVELOPED A 4000 FOOT PER MINUTE RATE OF DESCENT. THE PILOT MANAGED TO ARREST THE SINK RATE BUT THE GLIDER'S LEFT WINGTIP COLLIDED WITH THE GROUND AS THE PILOT WAS ATTEMPTING A PRECAUTIONARY LANDING. NO MECHANICAL PROBLEMS WERE REPORTED WITH THE GLIDER. THE PILOT DID NOT RECEIVE A WEATHER BRIEFING PRIOR TO THE FLIGHT
NTSB Probable Cause
THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT PLANNING
Full Narrative
On May 29, 1993 at 1615 central daylight time, a Blanik L-13 glider, N640RM, collided with the ground while attempting a precautionary landing near Elberta, Alabama. The flight operated under 14 CFR Part 91 with no flight plan filed. Visual weather conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The airplane sustained substantial damage and the two occupants were not injured. The flight departed Elberta at 1500 hours. According to the pilot, he was returning to Elberta, when he encountered cloud buildups and a loss of lifting activity. He elected to land in a field but encountered a downdraft on short final and collided with the ground. No mechanical problems were reported.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:15 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftLet L-13
Tail NumberN640RM
Aircraft CategoryGli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorCoastal Soaring Associates
Operating RulePart 91
Engines0
Engine TypeUnknown
Engine DetailsUnknown
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 31 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind30° @ 7 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point64 F
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time21:51
Weather SourceWFAC