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

July 31, 1990 · Schleicher ASK-21 · N342KS

Plainfield, IL

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 31, 1990
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Plainfield, IL
Aircraft
Schleicher ASK-21
Tail Number
N342KS
Operator
Advanced Soaring Klub
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI90LA220

THE GLIDER PILOT STATED THAT HE ALLOWED HIS AIRCRAFT TO GET OUT OF POSITION BEHIND THE TOW PLANE DURING INITIAL CLIMBOUT. HE REPORTED THAT HE WAS AFRAID THE TOW LINE WOULD PULL THE TOW PLANE OUT OF CONTROL AT LOW ALTITUDE, SO HE RELEASED AND ATTEMPTED TO RETURN TO THE DEPARTURE AIRPORT FOR A LANDING. THE GLIDER IMPACTED TREES ON THE EDGE OF THE AIRPORT AND CAME TO REST IN A BEAN FIELD.

NTSB Probable Cause

THE GLIDER PILOT'S IMPROPER AIRCRAFT HANDLING AT LOW ATITUDE.

Full Narrative

THE GLIDER PILOT STATED THAT HE ALLOWED HIS AIRCRAFT TO GET OUT OF POSITION BEHIND THE TOW PLANE DURING INITIAL CLIMBOUT. HE REPORTED THAT HE WAS AFRAID THE TOW LINE WOULD PULL THE TOW PLANE OUT OF CONTROL AT LOW ALTITUDE, SO HE RELEASED AND ATTEMPTED TO RETURN TO THE DEPARTURE AIRPORT FOR A LANDING. THE GLIDER IMPACTED TREES ON THE EDGE OF THE AIRPORT AND CAME TO REST IN A BEAN FIELD.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:00 CDT
Nearest AirportClow International (0nm N)
Runway0
Runway Length3370 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftSchleicher ASK-21
Tail NumberN342KS
Aircraft CategoryGli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorAdvanced Soaring Klub
Operating RulePart 91
Engine TypeUnknown
Engine DetailsUnknown
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 64 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind20° @ 10 kt
Visibility20 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 3000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point70 F / 54
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time17:45
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data