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

May 17, 2001 · Piper J5A · N38646

Brussels, IL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 17, 2001
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Brussels, IL
Aircraft
Piper J5A
Tail Number
N38646
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI01LA125

The airplane nosed over during a precautionary landing. The pilot reported he was practicing a simulated emergency landing approach. He reported he had pulled out the carburetor heat during the simulated emergency landing and cleared the engine during the approach. He terminated the maneuver at 300 feet above ground level (agl). When he advanced the throttle there was no response for a "short period of time, then a halting or missing response." He reported the engine made a "hesitating acceleration." The airplane was about 200 feet agl and he made a decision to land and check the fuel and engine. The airplane touched down at 65 mph. He reported the vegetation was much taller than he perceived, and the airplane decelerated rapidly and nosed over. The engine was examined and exhibited no preexisting anomalies. The engine was tested and it ran between idle power and 2,600 rpm's.

NTSB Probable Cause

the partial loss of engine power for undetermined reasons and the high vegitation encountered during the precautionary landing.

Full Narrative

On May 16, 2001, at 1940 central daylight time, a Piper J5A, N38646, operated by a commercial pilot, sustained substantial damaged when it nosed over during the landing roll following a precautionary landing. The pilot and passenger were not injured. The 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight had departed St. Charles (3SQ), Missouri, at 1930 on a local flight. The precautionary landing was made to an unnamed grass airstrip in the Two Rivers National Wildlife Area near Brussels, Illinois. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The pilot reported he was practicing a simulated emergency landing approach. He reported he had pulled out the carburetor heat during the simulated emergency landing and cleared the engine during the approach. He terminated the maneuver at 300 feet above ground level (agl). He reported that when he advanced the throttle there was no response for a "short period of time, then a halting or missing response." He reported the engine made a "hesitating acceleration." The airplane was about 200 feet agl and he made a decision to land and check the fuel and engine. The airplane touched down at 65 mph. He reported the vegetation was much taller than he perceived and the airplane decelerated rapidly and nosed over. The engine was examined and exhibited no preexisting anomalies. The engine was tested and it ran between idle power and 2,600 rpm.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time19:40 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper J5A
Tail NumberN38646
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · A-75-8 · Reciprocating · 75
Seats3

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 48 · First Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind220° @ 12 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point68 F
Altimeter29.65 inHg
Observation Time23:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data