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

October 21, 2000 · Ryan ST3KR · N50870

Georgetown, CA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 21, 2000
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (1 fatality, 1 serious injury)
Location
Georgetown, CA
Aircraft
Ryan ST3KR
Tail Number
N50870
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
LAX01LA020

The pilot said that on initial climb after takeoff the airplane remained in ground effect until reaching the end of the runway. Thereafter, the airplane stalled and spun after encountering a strong updraft. It impacted a steep, wooded hillside area. The pilot said there were no mechanical problems with the airplane.

NTSB Probable Cause

The airplane's encounter with a strong updraft at the end of the runway that induced an increase in the wing's angle of attack to the critical point, which resulted in an inadvertent stall and spin.

Full Narrative

On October 21, 2000, about 1545 hours Pacific daylight time, a Ryan ST3KR, N50870, was destroyed when it collided with trees 1 minute after departing from the airport at Georgetown, California. The private pilot/owner was operating the airplane under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The pilot sustained serious injuries and his passenger sustained fatal injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal flight, destined for Jackson, California, and no flight plan had been filed. The pilot stated that on initial climb from runway 34, he remained in ground effect until the end of the runway. The airplane encountered a strong updraft at the end of the runway, stalled, and spun into the trees. The airplane impacted the ground in a steep, wooded area, and was destroyed. The pilot also stated that there were no mechanical irregularities.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:45 PDT
Nearest AirportGeorgetown (0nm)
Runway34
Runway Length3000 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftRyan ST3KR
Tail NumberN50870
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsKinner · R-55 · Reciprocating · 160

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (1 fatality, 1 serious injury)
Fatal1
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 51 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind60° @ 9 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingOvercast 1700 ft
Temperature / Dew Point61 F
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time23:55
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data