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

September 3, 2001 · Piper PA-22-160 · N3516Z

Daytona Beach, FL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 3, 2001
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Daytona Beach, FL
Aircraft
Piper PA-22-160
Tail Number
N3516Z
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
MIA01LA226

While descending, and at an altitude of about 900 feet msl, in preparation for entry into the traffic pattern at the airport, the pilot reported, "..…the aircraft commenced an abrupt, uncommanded roll to the right." She regained level flight by applying full left aileron and full left rudder, however the airplane remained in a right wing low attitude and in a gradual right turn. The pilot stated that she "..…realized that directional control was compromised," and due to the high density of housing in the area of the airport, she elected to attempt a force landing in a cow pasture. After landing, the airplane impacted a drainage ditch. Examination of the airplane's fuel system after the accident revealed that the fuel tanks were not breached, the left fuel tank was full of fuel, and no fuel was found in the right fuel tank. The fuel selector handle was found positioned on the "right tank." About 1 ounce of fuel was drained from the forward fuel filter, and about 1/3 of a pint of fuel was drained from the aft fuel filter. Examination of the flight controls revealed that they operated normally and were found to be in serviceable condition. Examination of the propeller revealed that one propeller blade was bent aft 30 degrees and scratched, the other blade was straight and clean.

NTSB Probable Cause

a total loss of engine power due to the pilot's improper procedures by not placing the fuel selector on the tank with the most fuel, after a reported restricted movement of the flight controls for undetermined reasons, which resulted in fuel starvation and a forced landing in a pasture.

Full Narrative

On September 3, 2001, at 1701 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-22-160, N3516Z, owned and operated by an individual, operating as a Title 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight impacted the ground during a forced landing near the Spruce Creek Airport, Daytona Beach, Florida. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. No flight plan was filed. The airplane was substantially damaged. The private-rated pilot and one passenger reported no injuries. The flight departed Vandenberg Airport, Tampa, Florida, at 1600. The pilot stated that while on a "gradual descent" at an altitude of about 900 feet msl, and in preparation for entry into the traffic pattern at the airport, "...the aircraft commenced an abrupt, uncommanded roll to the right." The pilot corrected the situation and regained level flight by applying "full left aileron and full left rudder," however the airplane remained in a "right wing" low attitude and "gradual right turn." The pilot stated that she realized that "directional control was compromised," and that due to the "high density" of housing in the area of the airport, she elected to attempt a forced landing in the "only" area that was clear of houses trees and cattle. After landing the airplane impacted an "overgrown" drainage ditch not visible from the air. According to the FAA inspector's statement, the pilot said the right wing suddenly dropped (lost lift), and the engine was at 2100 rpm. The landing was made in a cow pasture west of the airport. In addition, the passenger told the FAA inspector he turned off the ignition just prior to impact with the ground. The airplane came to rest in a "shallow" drainage ditch about 50 feet from initial touchdown. Examination of the airplane's fuel system revealed that the forward fuel filter bowl was slightly displaced from the top of the filter assembly. The fuel tanks were not breached, and the left fuel tank was full of fuel. A rubber hose had to be inserted into the lowest point of the right fuel tank in an attempt to recover fuel from the tank. No fuel was found in the right fuel tank. Examination of the fuel selector handle in the cockpit revealed that the fuel selector was positioned on the "right tank." About "1 ounce" of fuel was drained from the forward fuel filter, and about "1/3 of a pint" of fuel was drained from the aft fuel filter. Examination of the flight controls revealed that they "...operated normally and found to be in serviceable condition." Examination of the propeller revealed that one propeller blade was bent aft 30 degrees and scratched, the other blade was straight and clean.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:01 EDT
Nearest AirportSpruce Creek (2nm W)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-22-160
Tail NumberN3516Z
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-B2B · Reciprocating · 160
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 59 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind80° @ 8 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingOvercast 2500 ft
Altimeter29.95 inHg
Observation Time20:52
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data