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

January 19, 2000 · Bell OH-58C · N436SD

Brawley, CA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
January 19, 2000
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Brawley, CA
Aircraft
Bell OH-58C
Tail Number
N436SD
Operator
Ag Flite
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX00LA076

The helicopter was engaged in agricultural aerial application. During a swath run over a field it descended and hit the ground. The post crash inspection revealed contaminants in the fuel system. Lack of engine rotational signatures were also noted. The source of the fuel contamination was not identified.

NTSB Probable Cause

The fuel system contamination that resulted in a loss of engine power during aerial application and a subsequent collision with the ground.

Full Narrative

On January 18, 2000, about 1630 hours Pacific standard time, a Bell OH-58C, N436SD, collided with flat agricultural terrain while spraying a field in Brawley, California. The aircraft sustained substantial damage and the certificated commercial pilot, the sole occupant, received minor injuries. The aircraft was being operated by Ag Flite, Inc., as an aerial application flight under 14 CFR Part 137 when the accident occurred. The flight originated from a mobile helipad located at the work site about 1628 on the afternoon of the accident. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The pilot reported that he was making a turn about 10 feet above ground level when the aircraft struck the ground. He said that he did not recall experiencing any problems prior to the crash. No other witnesses have been identified. An inspection of the wreckage revealed contamination in the fuel system. A fibrous material was found through the system including the high pressure fuel filter. The Federal Aviation Administration report stated that there was a lack of rotational signatures in the engine. The operator did not provide a written report of the accident on NTSB Form 6120.1/2.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:30 PST
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBell OH-58C
Tail NumberN436SD
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorAg Flite
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsAllison · 250 SER · Turboshaft · 250
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 46 · Unknown · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind230° @ 3 kt
Visibility30 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point52
Altimeter30.02 inHg
Observation Time23:50
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data