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

June 18, 1993 · Romig FR-1 · N876FR

Independence, OR

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 18, 1993
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Independence, OR
Aircraft
Romig FR-1
Tail Number
N876FR
Operator
Romig Frances A
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
SEA93LA134

DURING THE INITIAL CLIMBOUT ON THE EXPERIMENTAL AIRCRAFT'S MAIDEN FLIGHT, THE ENGINE LOST POWER. THE PILOT EXECUTED A FORCED LANDING STRAIGHT AHEAD INTO TALL GRASS DURING WHICH THE AIRCRAFT GROUND LOOPED TO A STOP. A WITNESS TO THE ACCIDENT REPORTED ASSISTING THE PILOT IN SECURING AND EXITING THE AIRCRAFT IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE CRASH. ADDITIONALLY, THE WITNESS STATED THAT THE ELECTRIC BOOST PUMP SWITCH WAS IN THE 'OFF' POSITION AND THAT 'THE PILOT INDICATED TO ME THAT HE HAD FORGOTTEN TO TURN IT ON BEFORE THE TAKEOFF.'

NTSB Probable Cause

FUEL STARVATION AND THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND'S NOT MAINTAINING DIRECTIONAL CONTROL. FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WERE THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND'S NOT SELECTING THE FUEL BOOST PUMP AND HIGH VEGETATION.

Full Narrative

On June 18, 1993, at approximately 0705 hours Pacific daylight time (PDT), an experimental Romig Frontrunner FR-1, N876FR, registered to and being flown by Francis A. Romig, a certificated private pilot, was substantially damaged during a forced landing following a total loss of power immediately after takeoff from runway 34 at the Independence State Airport, Independence, Oregon. The pilot suffered minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions existed and no flight plan had been filed. The flight, which was personal in nature and the first flight subsequent to the aircraft's completed construction, was to have been in accordance with the requirements set forth in 14CFR91. The pilot reported that with 10.5 gallons of fuel aboard, he taxied out, completed an engine run up and then departed on the first test flight of his recently completed aircraft. While climbing out at full throttle he experienced a total loss of engine power and executed a forced landing straight ahead into tall grass. Pilot Romig reported that "construction plans for the aircraft do not include (the) fuel system" and that the builder must design the fuel system. An electric fuel boost pump had been added to the designed gravity feed system by the pilot. Mr. Donald Thomson, the operator of the airport and the local fixed base operator witnessed the accident. He reported observing the aircraft climb to an altitude of approximately 200 to 250 feet above ground at which time "heard the engine slow and stop." Mr. Thomson observed the aircraft execute a forced landing straight ahead into 5 foot high grass. The aircraft touched down in a tail low attitude and then pitched forward, ground looping several times and coming to rest on its landing gear. Mr. Thomson proceeded to the accident site and assisted pilot Romig during which time he observed the pilot shut off the magnetos and master switch. Mr. Thomson reported shutting off the fuel selector. He further stated that I observed that the electric fuel boost pump switch was already in the "off" position." and that "The pilot indicated to me that he had forgotten to turn it on before the takeoff."

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time07:05 PDT
Nearest AirportIndependence State (0nm)
Runway34
Runway Length3070 ft
Runway Width60 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftRomig FR-1
Tail NumberN876FR
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorRomig Frances A
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · O-200A · Reciprocating · 100
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 69 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind320° @ 3 kt
Visibility60 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point59 / 52
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time13:50
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data