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

August 20, 2000 · Piper J3-C65 · N70673

St. Petersburg, FL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 20, 2000
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
St. Petersburg, FL
Aircraft
Piper J3-C65
Tail Number
N70673
Operator
Advertising Air Force
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
MIA00LA243

The pilot was flying the airplane from the front seat when it was placard by the FAA for solo flight in the rear seat only. The pilot dropped off his banner in the sod area adjacent to the runway and side stepped to the left landing on the runway. The tail of the airplane came up; he applied throttle, aft stick, and his body weight shifted forward. He inadvertently applied brakes, experienced a loss of directional control, and subsequent nose over of the airplane.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's improper judgment not to sit in the pilot's seat (rear seat) and improper use of brakes on landing roll resulting in a loss of directional control and subsequent nose over.

Full Narrative

On August 20, 2000, at about 1112 eastern daylight time, a Piper J3C-65, N7073, registered to a private owner, operating as a 14 CFR Part 91 banner tow flight, experienced an on-ground loss of control on landing at Albert Whitted Airport (SPG), St. Petersburg, Florida, and nosed over inverted. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The airplane sustained substantial damage. The commercial pilot reported no injuries. The flight originated from SPG about 1 hour 12 minutes before the accident. The pilot stated he entered a left base for the sod area located adjacent to runway 36 to drop off his banner. He completed the banner drop and side stepped to the left and made a wheel landing to runway 36. The tail of the airplane came up; he applied a little throttle, aft stick, and his body weight shifted forward. He inadvertently applied brakes, experienced a loss of directional control, and subsequent nose over of the airplane. The pilot was flying the airplane from the front seat. Review of Federal Aviation Administration, Department of Transportation, Aircraft Specification No. A-691 states that the Model J3C airplane is placard stating, "Solo flying in rear seat only."

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:12 EDT
Nearest AirportAlbert Whitted Muni (0nm)
Runway36
Runway Length2864 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper J3-C65
Tail NumberN70673
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorAdvertising Air Force
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320A2B · Reciprocating · 150
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 26 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind240° @ 4 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time15:15
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data