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

April 2, 2000 · Weinzierl Titan Tornado II Titan TORN · N196KW

Maple Plain, MN

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 2, 2000
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Location
Maple Plain, MN
Aircraft
Weinzierl Titan Tornado II Titan TORN
Tail Number
N196KW
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI00LA105

The airplane sustained substantial damage on contact with terrain during a forced landing after a loss of engine power on takeoff. The pilot and passenger sustained minor injuries. The pilot stated, 'I was departing to the east. I climbed to about 200 ft. when the engine stopped. I turned back for a field. I hit the field and the plane overturned.' The field was rough and uneven. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the hull, wing tips, and tail. The engine's fuel filter was found clogged with silicone used as a fuel tank sealant. The plugged filter was a sintered bronze filter. The Rotax installation manual states, 'A suitable fuel filter of 0.15 mm mesh size must be fitted between pump and carburetor. Do not use paper filters. The fuel tank must have a drain cock for condensed water. A screen of 0.3 mm mesh size should be fitted to the fuel line in the tank.' The pilot's safety recommendation was, 'Don't use silicone to seal any type of fuel tanks or exc.'

NTSB Probable Cause

the obstructed fuel system filter, the inadequate silicone material the builder used, and the rough and uneven terrain. A factor was that suitable landing terrain was not available.

Full Narrative

On April 2, 2000, at 1026 central daylight time, a Weinzierl Titan Tornado II, piloted by a private pilot sustained substantial damage on contact with terrain during a forced landing after a loss of engine power on takeoff from Maple Airport, near Maple Plain, Minnesota. The local flight was operating under 14 CFR Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The pilot and passenger sustained minor injuries. No flight plan was on file. The personal flight was originating at the time of the accident. The pilot stated, "I was departing to the east. I climed to about 200 ft. when the engine stoped I turned back for a field." The airport owner stated that the field was rough and uneven. He stated, "I hit the field and the plane overturned." He further stated that the airplane sustained substantial damage to the hull, wing tips, and tail. The pilot examined the wreckage and found a clogged fuel filter. The fuel filter was plugged with silicone used as a sealant in the fuel tank. See appended photo. The plugged filter was identified as a Plastisonics, Inc., sintered bronze, model FF704C series filter. The fuel filter was designed for 1/4-inch fuel lines. See appended filter specification sheet. The Rotax installation manual states, "A suitable fuel filter of 0.15 mm mesh size must be fitted between pump and carburetor. Do not use paper filters. The fuel tank must have a drain cock for condensed water. A screen of 0.3 mm mesh size should be fitted to the fuel line in the tank." See appended installation manual. The pilot's safety recommendation was, "Don't use silicone to seal any type of fuel tanks or exc."

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:26 CDT
Nearest AirportMaple Airport (0nm)
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftWeinzierl Titan Tornado II Titan TORN
Tail NumberN196KW
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsRotax · Reciprocating · 80

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor2
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 33 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind190° @ 12 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 11000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point55 / 34 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time15:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data