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

May 5, 1992 · Piper PA23-150 · N2310B

Modesto, CA

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 5, 1992
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (3 uninjured)
Location
Modesto, CA
Aircraft
Piper PA23-150
Tail Number
N2310B
Operator
John D Rowlett
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX92LA200

ACCORDING TO THE PILOT, THE AIRCRAFT WAS ABOUT 50 TO 100 FEET AGL IN THE TAKEOFF INITIAL CLIMB WHEN THE LEFT ENGINE SUDDENLY QUIT. THE PILOT CORRECTED FOR THE YAW CONDITION AND HAD JUST RESTABILIZED THE AIRCRAFT WHEN THE LEFT ENGINE SURGED INTO LIFE. THE PILOT DECIDED TO LAND THE AIRCRAFT AND IT IMPACTED GEAR UP IN A LEVEL ATTITUDE IN A GRASSY AREA BETWEEN THE RUNWAYS. FAA AIRWORTHINESS INSPECTORS DETERMINED THAT THE AIRCRAFT WAS OPERATING ON AN AUTOMOTIVE FUEL SUPPLEMENTAL TYPE CERTIFICATE. A QUANTITY OF WATER AND RUST COLORED SEDIMENT WAS DRAINED FROM THE LEFT FUEL TANK SUMP. NO OTHER SYSTEM ABNORMALITIES WERE IDENTIFIED DURING THE EXAMINATION OF THE AIRCRAFT.

NTSB Probable Cause

AN ENGINE POWER LOSS DUE TO FUEL CONTAMINATION.

Full Narrative

ACCORDING TO THE PILOT, THE AIRCRAFT WAS ABOUT 50 TO 100 FEET AGL IN THE TAKEOFF INITIAL CLIMB WHEN THE LEFT ENGINE SUDDENLY QUIT. THE PILOT CORRECTED FOR THE YAW CONDITION AND HAD JUST RESTABILIZED THE AIRCRAFT WHEN THE LEFT ENGINE SURGED INTO LIFE. THE PILOT DECIDED TO LAND THE AIRCRAFT AND IT IMPACTED GEAR UP IN A LEVEL ATTITUDE IN A GRASSY AREA BETWEEN THE RUNWAYS. FAA AIRWORTHINESS INSPECTORS DETERMINED THAT THE AIRCRAFT WAS OPERATING ON AN AUTOMOTIVE FUEL SUPPLEMENTAL TYPE CERTIFICATE. A QUANTITY OF WATER AND RUST COLORED SEDIMENT WAS DRAINED FROM THE LEFT FUEL TANK SUMP. NO OTHER SYSTEM ABNORMALITIES WERE IDENTIFIED DURING THE EXAMINATION OF THE AIRCRAFT.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time21:15 PDT
Nearest AirportMODESTO (0nm N)
Runway28
Runway Length5911 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA23-150
Tail NumberN2310B
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorJohn D Rowlett
Operating RulePart 91
Engines2
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-A3D · Reciprocating · 150
Seats5

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (3 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured3
Total3
Crew 1Age 48 · First Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDark Night
WindCalm
Visibility15 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data