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 4, 1991 · Piper PA-12 · N78583
Stuart, FL
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 4, 1991
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Stuart, FL
Aircraft
Piper PA-12
Tail Number
N78583
Operator
Red Baron Aerial Ads
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
MIA91LA135
AFTER LOWERING THE TAILWHEEL DURING THE LANDING ROLL THE AIRCRAFT VEERED TO THE LEFT. THE PILOT APPLIED RIGHT RUDDER TO CORRECT THIS BUT THE RT RUDDER PEDAL TRAVELLED TO THE FLOOR. THE ACFT THEN RAN OFF THE LEFT SIDE OF THE RWY AND COLLIDED WITH A PARKED ACFT. EXAM OF THE ACFT REVEALED THAT THE RT RUDDER CABLE FAILED DUE TO CORROSION APPROX 1 INCH FWD OF THE TURNBUCKLE. REVIEW OF THE ACFT LOGBOOK REVEALED THAT AN ANNUAL INSP WAS PERFORMED ON JULY 1, 1990 & THE ACFT HAD ACCUMULATED 428 HRS SINCE.
NTSB Probable Cause
AN INADEQUATE ANNUAL INSPECTION WHICH FAILED TO DETECT CORROSION ON THE RUDDER CABLE. THE PILOT LOST DIRECTION CONTROL DURING LANDING WHEN THE RUDDER CABLE BROKE.
Full Narrative
AFTER LOWERING THE TAILWHEEL DURING THE LANDING ROLL THE AIRCRAFT VEERED TO THE LEFT. THE PILOT APPLIED RIGHT RUDDER TO CORRECT THIS BUT THE RT RUDDER PEDAL TRAVELLED TO THE FLOOR. THE ACFT THEN RAN OFF THE LEFT SIDE OF THE RWY AND COLLIDED WITH A PARKED ACFT. EXAM OF THE ACFT REVEALED THAT THE RT RUDDER CABLE FAILED DUE TO CORROSION APPROX 1 INCH FWD OF THE TURNBUCKLE. REVIEW OF THE ACFT LOGBOOK REVEALED THAT AN ANNUAL INSP WAS PERFORMED ON JULY 1, 1990 & THE ACFT HAD ACCUMULATED 428 HRS SINCE.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:20 EDT
Nearest AirportWitham Field (0nm N)
Runway2
Runway Length5000 ft
Runway Width200 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-12
Tail NumberN78583
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorRed Baron Aerial Ads
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320 · Reciprocating · 150
Seats3
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 46 · First Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind120° @ 6 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time12:47
Weather SourceWFAC