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

November 13, 1993 · Vacey MK-1 · N602

Altoona, FL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 13, 1993
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (1 serious injury, 1 minor injury)
Location
Altoona, FL
Aircraft
Vacey MK-1
Tail Number
N602
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
MIA94LA021

THE PRIVATE PILOT MADE A TAKEOFF TO THE EAST UPHILL INTO THE WIND. UPON REACHING ABOUT 10 TO 15 FEET AGL, THE PILOT OBSERVED POWER LINES TO HIS FRONT AND INITIATED A LEFT TURN. THE PILOT STATED THE AIRSPEED DECREASED, THE AIRPLANE STALLED, THE NOSE PITCHED DOWN, AND THE AIRPLANE COLLIDED WITH THE GROUND.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot-in-command's failure to maintain airspeed (VS) on initial takeoff climb while maneuvering to avoid power lines, resulting in an in-flight loss of control (stall) and subsequent in-flight collision with terrain.

Full Narrative

On November 13, 1993, at about 1315 eastern standard time, a Vacey MK-1, N602, experimental homebuilt airplane, registered to Charles A. Vacey Sr., operating as a 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight, crashed while maneuvering on initial takeoff climb. The airplane sustained substantial damage. The private pilot sustained a minor injury, and the passenger sustained a serious injury. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The flight originated from a grass field about 1 minute before the accident. The pilot stated in an interview with the NTSB investigator- in-charge that he had made a forced landing into the grass field earlier in the day due to high water temperature. Examination of the airplane on the ground revealed a water hose had come off in flight. The hose was repaired and the pilot made a takeoff to the east uphill into the wind. The airplane became airborne reaching about 10 to 15 feet agl, when the pilot observed power lines to his front. The pilot further stated, "I made a left turn, the airspeed decreased, the airplane stalled, the nose pitched down, and the airplane collided with the ground."

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:15 EST
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftVacey MK-1
Tail NumberN602
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsSubaru · EA82 · Reciprocating · 94
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (1 serious injury, 1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 63 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind120° @ 12 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 6500 ft
Temperature / Dew Point70 F
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time18:14
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data