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 10, 1999 · Piper PA-18-L21B · N3VU

Vincennes, IN

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 10, 1999
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Vincennes, IN
Aircraft
Piper PA-18-L21B
Tail Number
N3VU
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI99LA146

The pilot said he made a smooth touchdown about halfway down runway 21 (2,350 X 100) at the O'Neal Airport, Vincennes, Indiana. The pilot said that shortly after touchdown, the airplane hit a rough spot on the runway. The airplane bounced into the air, and the tail began to shift around. The pilot said that he couldn't get on the brakes because he was busy trying to keep the airplane straight. The airplane veered to the right and departed the runway into a wheat field. The plane slowed, but suddenly stopped and nosed over slowly on to its back. Examination of the airplane revealed no anomalies.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's failure to maintain directional control after landing. Factors which contributed to this accident were the pilot's long touchdown, the rough area on the runway, and the wheat field.

Full Narrative

On May 9, 1999, at 1940 central standard time (cst), a Piper PA- 18-L21B, N3VU, operated by a private pilot, sustained substantial damage when on landing, the airplane veered right, off of the runway, and nosed over. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The personal flight was being conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. No flight plan was on file. The pilot and passenger on board reported no injuries. The local flight originated at the O'Neal Airport, Vincennes, Indiana, at 1840 cst. In his written statement, the pilot said he made a smooth touchdown about halfway down runway 21 (2,350 X 100) at the O'Neal Airport. The pilot said that shortly after touchdown, the airplane hit a rough spot on the runway. The airplane bounced into the air, and the tail began to shift around. The pilot said that he couldn't get on the brakes because he was busy trying to keep the airplane straight. The airplane veered to the right and departed the runway into a wheat field. The plane slowed, but suddenly stopped and nosed over slowly on to its back. The pilot described the weather, at the time of the accident, as clear and no wind. The airplane was examined at the airport by an airplane and powerplant (A&P) mechanic tasked by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The airplane showed damage to the engine cowling, forward fuselage and windscreen. The left wing strut was bent inward, three feet inboard of the wing attach point. The leading edges of both wings were dented inward at the inboard 3 ribs. The vertical stabilizer and rudder were bent. Flight control continuity was confirmed. Examination of the engine, engine controls and other airplane systems revealed no anomalies.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time20:40 CDT
Nearest AirportVincennes-O'Neal Airport (1nm SSW)
Runway21
Runway Length2350 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-18-L21B
Tail NumberN3VU
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-290-D2 · Reciprocating · 135
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 40 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind30° @ 4 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F / 55
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time00:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data