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

February 5, 2002 · Cessna 172N · N733FT

Ottumwa, IA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 5, 2002
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Ottumwa, IA
Aircraft
Cessna 172N
Tail Number
N733FT
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI02LA076

The airplane nosed over when it veered left off the runway and impacted a snowbank. The student pilot reported he had completed three touch and go landings. He reported that during the fourth touch and go, the airplane went to the left after he applied power. He reported, "I pushed the power in and tried to bring the plane back to the right but was unsuccessful. The plane then hit the snow bank along the runway and flipped over on its top. Once stopped, I turned off the master switch and the key, took off my shoulder harness, seat belt, [and] then exited the plane." The inspection of the airplane revealed no preexisting anomalies or airworthiness discrepancies.

NTSB Probable Cause

the student pilot failed to maintain directional control during takeoff. A contributing factor was the snowbank.

Full Narrative

On February 5, 2002, at 1700 central standard time, a Cessna 172N, N733FT, sustained substantial damage when it impacted a snow bank and nosed over during takeoff. The student pilot was not injured. The 14 CFR Part 91 solo instructional flight was departing runway 31 (5,885 feet by 150 feet, dry asphalt) at Ottumwa Industrial Airport (OTM), Ottumwa, Iowa, when it impacted the snow bank. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The student pilot reported he had completed three touch and go landings. He reported that during the fourth touch and go, the airplane went to the left after he applied power. He reported, "I pushed the power in and tried to bring the plane back to the right but was unsuccessful. The plane then hit the snow bank along the runway and flipped over on its top. Once stopped, I turned off the master switch and the key, took off my shoulder harness, seat belt, [and] then exited the plane." The inspection of the airplane revealed no preexisting anomalies or airworthiness discrepancies.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:00 CST
Nearest AirportOttumwa Industrial Airport (0nm N)
Runway31
Runway Length5885 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 172N
Tail NumberN733FT
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-H2AD · Reciprocating · 160
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 52 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind250° @ 3 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point36 C / 21 C
Altimeter30.29 inHg
Observation Time21:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data