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

October 13, 2001 · Cessna 182P · N20877

Sulfur Creek, ID

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 13, 2001
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (4 uninjured)
Location
Sulfur Creek, ID
Aircraft
Cessna 182P
Tail Number
N20877
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
SEA02LA006

During the takeoff roll, the pilot over-rotated, causing the aircraft's tail cone to strike the runway surface. He then maintained this excessive pitch attitude as the aircraft continued to roll down the runway. The pilot eventually became convinced that he would not be able to ensure a safe takeoff if he continued. He therefore aborted the takeoff. During the abort, he allowed the aircraft to drift to the side of the runway, where one of the main gear encountered soft terrain. After encountering the soft terrain, the aircraft veered off the side of the runway surface, where the nose wheel encountered soft/wet terrain conditions. Soon thereafter, the nose wheel sank into the terrain and the aircraft nosed over.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the aborted takeoff. Factors include the pilot's excessive rotation attitude, and soft/wet terrain conditions.

Full Narrative

On October 13, 2001, approximately 1130 mountain daylight time, a Cessna 182P, N20877, nosed over during an aborted takeoff from Sulfur Creek Airstrip, Sulfur Creek Ranch, Idaho. The pilot and his three passengers where not injured, but the aircraft, which is owned and operated by AvCenter Inc., of Pocatello, Idaho, sustained substantial damage. The 14 CFR Part 91 pleasure flight was departing Sulfur Creek in visual meteorological conditions. No flight plan had been filed. There was no report of an ELT activation. According to the pilot, during the takeoff roll, he over-rotated, striking the aircraft's tail cone on the runway surface. He then maintained a very nose-high attitude as the aircraft continued down the runway. As the takeoff roll continued, the pilot became convinced that he could not safely make the takeoff, so he then aborted. While he was trying to slow the aircraft after the abort, the pilot inadvertently let it drift to the right side of the sod/gravel runway, where the right main gear encountered soft/wet terrain. This resulted in the aircraft being pulled further to the right and departing the runway surface. After departing the runway, the nose gear sank into the soft terrain, and the aircraft nosed over.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:30 MDT
Nearest AirportSulfur Creek Ranch (0nm)
Runway08
Runway Length3100 ft
Runway Width50 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 182P
Tail NumberN20877
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · O-470R · Reciprocating · 235
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (4 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured4
Total4
Crew 1Age 34 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind260° @ 4 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 8500 ft
Temperature / Dew Point43 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data