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

February 22, 2000 · Piper PA-28-181 · N8366N

Center Harbor, NH

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 22, 2000
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Location
Center Harbor, NH
Aircraft
Piper PA-28-181
Tail Number
N8366N
Operator
Jon Eifert
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
NYC00LA084

The pilot stated that he was flying low over the lake, on a scenic ride. About 100 feet above the ground (AGL), the pilot initiated a climb to maintain separation from a snowmobile. After the snowmobile passed under the airplane, the pilot attempted to descend back to his original altitude. He thought he was 100 feet AGL, but the airplane impacted the snow covered lake.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot-in-command attempted a low pass and misjudged his altitude.

Full Narrative

On February 22, 2000, about 1735 Eastern Standard Time, a Piper PA-28-181, N8366N, was substantially damaged while maneuvering near Center Harbor, New Hampshire. The certificated private pilot, and pilot rated passenger received minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight that originated from Alton Bay Seaplane Base, Alton Bay, New Hampshire; destined for Laconia Municipal Airport, Laconia, New Hampshire. No flight plan was filed for the personal flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. The pilot stated: "...We took off from Alton Bay and decided to fly over lake winnipesaukee on a scenic ride (again, I was pilot-in-command and the instructional part of the flight had ended). I flew low above the lake staying well clear of any persons or property (1000 ft or more). We only saw 2 snowmobilers and stayed well clear of them as well as all "Bob" houses. We were approaching Center Harbor and about to turn back home to Laconia airport when we hit the snow covered lake with our wheels and plowed to a stop. At the time I believed I was maintaining 100 ft agl and cruise speed of approx. 110 kts..." The pilot rated passenger stated: "...He leveled off at about 100 feet AGL, and asked me what altitude would be good. I quoted to him the provisions of FAR 91.119...While flying over the lake he observed a snowmobile approaching ahead, so he climbed, presumably to maintain separation, then when the vehicle passed, he began a slow descent. After he had descended awhile I looked out the right side window. When I recognized our relative altitude, I realized we were dangerously low. When I looked forward I noticed that Mr. Eifert was looking out my side window. I moved to take the yoke to climb, but we contacted the surface before I could take the controls..."

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:35 EST
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-28-181
Tail NumberN8366N
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorJon Eifert
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360 · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor2
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 36 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDusk
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point34 C / 21 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time22:35
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data