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

August 1, 2001 · Beech A36 · N136GR

Sugar Grove, IL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 1, 2001
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Sugar Grove, IL
Aircraft
Beech A36
Tail Number
N136GR
Operator
Luminair Aviation Services
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI01LA255

The pilot/mechanic performed a forced landing on a bean field after a total loss of engine power during departure from the airport. The pilot/mechanic reported that he was performing a maintenance test flight when the engine quit at approximately 500 feet agl. He reported that the no fuel leaks were noted during a ground test run and no anomalies were noted during a run up prior to departure. The main fuel line to the flow divider was reported to have backed off.

NTSB Probable Cause

the inadequate maintenance inspection and the unsuitable terrain encountered by the pilot mechanic. The fuel system leak was a contributing factor.

Full Narrative

On August 1, 2001, at 1131 central daylight time, a Beech A36, N136GR, piloted by a private pilot, was substantially damaged during a forced landing on a bean field near Sugar Grove, Illinois. The pilot reported a total loss of engine power during climb from runway 18 (3,199 feet by 75 feet, asphalt) at the Aurora Municipal Airport, Sugar Grove, Illinois. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The 14 CFR Part 91 maintenance test flight was not operating on a flight plan. The private pilot reported no injuries. The local flight originated from the Aurora Municipal Airport, Aurora, Illinois at 1129. The pilot/mechanic reported that the airplane had received an annual inspection. A ground test run was performed prior to the maintenance test flight with no fuel leaks noted. He reported that during a postaccident inspection of the airplane, a fuel line loosened but did not come completely off the fitting. He also stated that there was evidence of a small fire in the engine compartment area. The pilot reported in a written statement, "Ground run up after annual [inspection] ok. No leakage noted. Run up before flight ok. Full power attained at takeoff. [Approximately] 500 [feet] engine quit. Changed fuel tanks [and] turned on fuel pump. Engine restarted [and] quit after [approximately] 5 [seconds]. Put down landing gear and landed straight ahead in a bean field. Beans collapsed nosegear [and] damaged wings [and] firewall. No injuries. Found main fuel line to flow divider had backed off about 3-4 turns. Fuel stain evident."

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:31 CDT
Nearest AirportAurora Municipal Airport (0nm)
Runway18
Runway Length3199 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBeech A36
Tail NumberN136GR
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorLuminair Aviation Services
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · IO-550-B · Reciprocating · 300
Seats6

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 46 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind210° @ 10 kt
Visibility6 sm
CeilingOvercast 20000 ft
Altimeter30.22 inHg
Observation Time15:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data