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 22, 1999 · Maule M-5-210C · N51641

Santa Ana, CA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 22, 1999
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Santa Ana, CA
Aircraft
Maule M-5-210C
Tail Number
N51641
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX99LA196

The pilot stated that he was practicing touch-and-go landings. He reported that the airplane landed right of centerline and he attempted to correct back to the center of the runway before initiating the takeoff. He said that he over corrected and ground looped the airplane. The pilot reported that the winds were from 180 degrees at 8 knots. He further reported that there were no mechanical anomalies noted with the airplane or engine, and that weather was not a factor.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control and his excessive use of the rudder to regain runway alignment.

Full Narrative

On May 21, 1999, at 2008 hours Pacific daylight time, a Maule M-5-210C, N51641, ground looped after landing on runway 19L at the John Wayne airport, Santa Ana, California. The airplane, operated by the pilot under 14 CFR Part 91, sustained substantial damage. The airline transport pilot/owner, the sole occupant, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions existed for the local personal flight and no flight plan was filed. The flight had originated at the John Wayne airport the day of the accident about 1950. The pilot stated that he was practicing touch-and-go landings. He reported that the airplane landed right of centerline and he attempted to correct back to the center of the runway before initiating the takeoff. He said that he over corrected and ground looped the airplane. The pilot reported that the winds were from 180 degrees at 8 knots. He further reported that there were no mechanical anomalies noted with the airplane or engine, and that weather was not a factor.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time20:08 PDT
Nearest AirportJohn Wayne/Orange County (0nm)
Runway19L
Runway Length2887 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftMaule M-5-210C
Tail NumberN51641
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · IO-360-D33A · Reciprocating · 210
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 44 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightBright Night
Wind160° @ 6 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 3200 ft
Temperature / Dew Point57 / 48
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time03:25
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data