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 5, 2001 · North American AT-6 D · N7421C

Prescott, AZ

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 5, 2001
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Prescott, AZ
Aircraft
North American AT-6 D
Tail Number
N7421C
Operator
William S Modes
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX01LA183

On touchdown the airplane was struck by a gust of wind. The CFI aborted the landing and the airplane struck taxiway signs, traveled through a ditch and came to rest on the opposite side of the ditch on its landing gear. The purpose of the flight was to provide transition training for the front seat pilot who had recently purchased a similar airplane. The CFI reported that the previous landings had been on runway 21L, and that the front seat pilot had not done as well as the CFI had hoped. Prior to the accident landing, the local controller switched the active runway to 30 due to a change of wind direction. Reported METAR winds at PRC were from 350 degrees at 9 knots gusting to 18 knots. The CFI was flying the airplane on the accident landing. The airplane touched down in a slight crab. Before the CFI could straighten the airplane it departed the runway. He attempted to go-around and then aborted the go-around due to a ditch off the right side of the runway.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's inadequate compensation for an existing crosswind condition.

Full Narrative

On May 5, 2001, at 1115 hours mountain standard time, a North American AT-6D, N7421C, sustained substantial damage when it struck taxiway signs and a ditch on the landing rollout from runway 30 at the Ernest A. Love Field, Prescott, Arizona. The pilot was operating the borrowed airplane under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The certified flight instructor (CFI) pilot and commercial pilot were not injured. The local flight departed Prescott about 1100. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan had been filed. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) accident coordinator, the commercial pilot trainee recently purchased a similar airplane. The purpose of the flight was to receive transition training flight instruction to include takeoffs and landings. In the CFI's written statement to the Safety Board, he stated that the previous landings had been on runway 21L and the winds were variable at 6 knots. As the day progressed the winds started to change direction and increase in velocity. The CFI stated that when the tower controller changed the active runway to 30, winds were from 350 degrees at 9 knots gusting to 18 knots. The CFI stated that on the accident landing there were no discrepancies noted until the airplane was struck by a gust of wind just as it touched down. He initiated a go-around and then decided to abort the go-around due to a ditch off to the right side of the runway. The CFI stated that he had not been aware of the ditch. He applied full opposite rudder and brake, but was not able to control the airplane. The CFI reported that as the airplane went to the right towards the ditch, it struck taxi signs. The airplane "traveled through the ditch and out the opposite side." The FAA inspector interviewed the CFI. The CFI stated that the previous landings were three-point landings, and that they hadn't gone as well as he had hoped they would. The CFI reported that the accident landing was to be a "wheel landing." When the airplane touched down it was in a slight crab. Before he could straighten the airplane it departed the runway to the right. The CFI attempted to regain directional control; however, the controls were "stiff" as if the student pilot had not released the controls. The airplane was taxied to the ramp by the CFI.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:15 MST
Nearest AirportErnest A. Love Field (0nm N)
Runway30
Runway Length4408 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftNorth American AT-6 D
Tail NumberN7421C
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorWilliam S Modes
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsPratt & Whitney · 1340 · Reciprocating · 600
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 43 · Second Class · None
Crew 2Age 72 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind350° @ 9 kt, gusting 16 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point66 F / 18 C
Altimeter30.05 inHg
Observation Time18:28
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data