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

June 30, 1999 · Whithington Kitfox 1200 Kitfox 120 · N818HW

Caldwell, ID

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 30, 1999
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Caldwell, ID
Aircraft
Whithington Kitfox 1200 Kitfox 120
Tail Number
N818HW
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
SEA99LA099

Prior to taking off from an open field, the pilot accidentally deployed his flaps further than they should have been for takeoff. With the flaps in the incorrect position, the aircraft's takeoff roll was extended and its rate of climb was decreased. Just after the aircraft became airborne, it became evident to the pilot that it may not clear a power line along his takeoff track. He therefore flew underneath the wire, but failed to clear apple trees that were just beyond the wires. According to the pilot, there was no indication of an engine or flight control malfunction.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from obstacles along his departure path. Factors include the pilot's incorrect positioning of the flaps prior to takeoff, and a transmission wire and trees along the aircraft's flight path.

Full Narrative

On June 29, 1999, approximately 2000 mountain daylight time, an experimental Withington Kitfox 1200, N818HW, impacted apple trees during an attempted takeoff from an alfalfa field about 8 miles west of Caldwell, Idaho. The private pilot received minor injuries, but the aircraft, which was owned and operated by the pilot, sustained substantial damage. The 14 CFR Part 91 local personal pleasure flight was being operated in visual meteorological conditions. No flight plan had been filed, and there was no report of an ELT transmission. According to the FAA inspector who talked with the pilot after the accident, he accidentally tried to depart from an open field with the flaps deployed further than they should have been for takeoff. The pilot felt that with the flaps in the incorrect position, the aircraft's normal takeoff roll was extended and its expected rate of climb was decreased. After becoming airborne, it became evident to the pilot that the aircraft might not clear a power line in its path. The pilot therefore flew under the power line, but failed to clear apple trees that were just beyond the wires. The pilot, who failed to return an NTSB Form 6120.1/2, reported that there was no indication of engine or flight control malfunction.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time19:00 PDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftWhithington Kitfox 1200 Kitfox 120
Tail NumberN818HW
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsRotax · UNKNOWN · Reciprocating
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 63 · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind360° @ 5 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data