NTSB Reports
Aviation Safety Intelligence
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.

Get the iPhone App
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

March 14, 1990 · Wsk Pzl Mielec PZL-M-18 · N28625

Elaine, AR

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 14, 1990
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Elaine, AR
Aircraft
Wsk Pzl Mielec PZL-M-18
Tail Number
N28625
Operator
Fess Flying Service
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
MKC90LA064

THE PILOT ATTEMPTED TO TAKEOFF FROM A NARROW 1600 FT STRIP WITH A HEAVY LOAD. REPORTEDLY, THE ACFT'S WING STRUCK THE TERRAIN. SUBSEQUENTLY, IT SPUN AROUND & WAS DAMAGED. THE PILOT SAID THE WEATHER WAS UNSETTLED WITH VARIABLE WINDS FROM 140 TO 170 DEG, GUSTING 20 TO 30 KNOTS. ADDITIONALLY, HE SAID THERE MIGHT HAVE BEEN A SOFT AREA IN THE RUNWAY THAT CONTRIBUTED TO A LOSS OF FORWARD MOMENTUM. APRX 60 MI WNW AT LITTLE ROCK, THE 1550 WIND WAS FROM 180 DEG AT 10 GUSTING 25 KTS.

NTSB Probable Cause

IMPROPER PLANNING/DECISION BY THE PILOT AND HIS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: THE UNFAVORABLE WEATHER CONDITIONS, RUNWAY CONDITION, AND THE PILOT'S OVERCONFIDENCE IN HIMSELF AND THE AIRCRAFT.

Full Narrative

THE PILOT ATTEMPTED TO TAKEOFF FROM A NARROW 1600 FT STRIP WITH A HEAVY LOAD. REPORTEDLY, THE ACFT'S WING STRUCK THE TERRAIN. SUBSEQUENTLY, IT SPUN AROUND & WAS DAMAGED. THE PILOT SAID THE WEATHER WAS UNSETTLED WITH VARIABLE WINDS FROM 140 TO 170 DEG, GUSTING 20 TO 30 KNOTS. ADDITIONALLY, HE SAID THERE MIGHT HAVE BEEN A SOFT AREA IN THE RUNWAY THAT CONTRIBUTED TO A LOSS OF FORWARD MOMENTUM. APRX 60 MI WNW AT LITTLE ROCK, THE 1550 WIND WAS FROM 180 DEG AT 10 GUSTING 25 KTS.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:00 CST
Nearest AirportFESSPVT (0nm N)
Runway22
Runway Length1600 ft
Runway Width22 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftWsk Pzl Mielec PZL-M-18
Tail NumberN28625
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorFess Flying Service
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsPezetel · ASZ-621R-M-18 · Reciprocating · 967
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 53 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind10 kt, gusting 25 kt
Visibility7 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 4000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Observation Time21:50
Weather SourceWFAC

External Links

Appendix: Source Data