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
August 23, 1991 · Piper PA-28-151 · N8479F
Freeburg, IL
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 23, 1991
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (3 uninjured)
Location
Freeburg, IL
Aircraft
Piper PA-28-151
Tail Number
N8479F
Operator
Scott Afb Aero Club
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI91LA272
THE CFI SAID THAT WHILE PRACTICING MINIMUM CONTROLLABLE FLIGHT AND STALLS DURING A DUAL INSTRUCTIONAL FLIGHT, THE PROPELLER CEASED TO TURN. THE MIXTURE CONTROL WAS PUSHED TO FULL RICH, BUT A RESTART WAS NOT SUCCESSFUL. AN EMERGENCY LANDING WAS ATTEMPTED ON A RURAL ROAD WHICH RESULTED IN A COLLISION WITH A ROAD SIGN. POST ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION REVEALED NO MECHANICAL ENGINE MALFUNCTIONS OR FUEL SUPPLY SHORTAGE. A LOOSE FRICTION CONTROL LEVER WAS FOUND WHICH FAILED TO LOCK THE QUADRANT LEVERS IN PLACE.
NTSB Probable Cause
IMPROPER USE OF THE MIXTURE CONTROL BY THE PIC/CFI. A FACTOR RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WAS INADEQUATE FRICTION ON THE MIXTURE CONTROL LEVER.
Full Narrative
THE CFI SAID THAT WHILE PRACTICING MINIMUM CONTROLLABLE FLIGHT AND STALLS DURING A DUAL INSTRUCTIONAL FLIGHT, THE PROPELLER CEASED TO TURN. THE MIXTURE CONTROL WAS PUSHED TO FULL RICH, BUT A RESTART WAS NOT SUCCESSFUL. AN EMERGENCY LANDING WAS ATTEMPTED ON A RURAL ROAD WHICH RESULTED IN A COLLISION WITH A ROAD SIGN. POST ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION REVEALED NO MECHANICAL ENGINE MALFUNCTIONS OR FUEL SUPPLY SHORTAGE. A LOOSE FRICTION CONTROL LEVER WAS FOUND WHICH FAILED TO LOCK THE QUADRANT LEVERS IN PLACE.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time18:25 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledMvfr
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-28-151
Tail NumberN8479F
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorScott Afb Aero Club
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-E3D · Reciprocating · 150
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (3 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured3
Total3
Crew 1Age 42 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind160° @ 1 kt
Visibility7 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Observation Time22:55
Weather SourceWFAC