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 2, 2002 · Robinette Ultra Pup · N2221X

Rio Vista, CA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 2, 2002
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Rio Vista, CA
Aircraft
Robinette Ultra Pup
Tail Number
N2221X
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX02LA078

The experimental, amateur-built airplane landed off-airport following a total loss of engine power on climbout. The pilot reported that during the initial climb after a slow-flight, low pass down the 4,200-foot-long runway and while about 200 feet above ground level, the engine lost all power although the propeller continued to windmill. After the accident, there was about 9 gallons of 100-octane aviation fuel aboard. Earlier the same day he had flown a prior flight leg on the same tank of fuel. The pilot suspected that carburetor icing was the cause of the engine loss of power. The airplane was equipped with a Mosler converted automotive engine, and was equipped with carburetor heat. The carburetor heat control was in the "on" position when engine power was lost. A generic carburetor icing probability chart used by the Safety Board showed the ambient temperature and dew point conditions to have been within the region marked "serious icing - cruise or climb power."

NTSB Probable Cause

The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.

Full Narrative

On February 2, 2002, at 1300 Pacific standard time, a Robinette Ultra Pup, N2221X, landed off-airport following total a loss of engine power on climbout from Rio Vista Municipal Airport, Rio Vista, California. The private certificated pilot and pilot-rated passenger were not injured. The experimental, amateur-built airplane was substantially damaged. The local area personal flight was operated by the owner under 14 CFR Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The pilot reported that during the initial climb after a slow-flight, low pass down runway 25 (4,200feet long by 75 feet wide), while about 200 feet above ground level, the engine lost all power although the propeller continued to windmill. After the accident, there was about 9 gallons of 100-octane aviation fuel aboard. Earlier the same day he had flown from Concord, California, to Rio Vista on the same tank of fuel. The pilot suspected that carburetor icing was the cause of the engine loss of power. The airplane was equipped with a Mosler converted automotive engine, and was equipped with carburetor heat. The carburetor heat control was in the "on" position when engine power was lost. A generic carburetor icing probability chart used by the Safety Board showed the ambient temperature and dew point conditions to have been within the region marked "serious icing - cruise or climb power."

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:00 PST
Nearest AirportRIOVISTA (1nm WNW)
Runway25
Runway Length4200 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftRobinette Ultra Pup
Tail NumberN2221X
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsMosler · VW4 · Reciprocating · 60
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 56 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind3 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point52 / 37 C
Altimeter30.21 inHg
Observation Time20:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data