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

March 16, 2002 · Mooney M20A · N8390E

Norman, OK

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 16, 2002
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Norman, OK
Aircraft
Mooney M20A
Tail Number
N8390E
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
FTW02LA096

During takeoff initial climb, approximately 800-900 feet agl, the engine lost power. With no options to land straight ahead, the pilot elected to make a right 180-degree turn back to the runway. The airplane's right wing struck the ground followed by the fuselage. The airplane slid upright into two parked airplanes that were tied down on the ramp. Examination of the aircraft revealed an improper clamp installed on the mixture cable that would not allow the mixture cable to extend to the full rich position.

NTSB Probable Cause

Maintenance personnel's improper clamp installation on the mixture control cable, which resulted in a loss of engine power.

Full Narrative

On March 16, 2002, 0916 central standard time, a Mooney M20A single-engine airplane, N8390E, was substantially damaged when it impacted the ground during a forced landing following a loss of engine power during takeoff/initial climb from the University of Oklahoma Westheimer Airport near Norman, Oklahoma. The airplane was owned and operated by the pilot. The private pilot, sole occupant of the airplane, sustained minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan was not filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The cross-country flight was destined for Nashua, New Hampshire, with Newton, Kansas as the first fuel stop. The flight was originating at the time of the accident. The 346-hour pilot reported to the FAA inspector, that during initial climb out from runway 3, while climbing through approximately 800-900 feet agl, the engine lost power without warning. With no options to land straight ahead, the pilot elected to make a right 180-degree turn to attempt to return to the airport. The pilot stated that the landing gear was fully extended and the flaps were up. The airplane's right wing struck the ground followed by the fuselage. The airplane slid upright into two parked airplanes that were tied down on the ramp. Examination of the airplane, by the FAA inspector, revealed that the airplanes right wing was separated from the fuselage. An examination of the aircraft at Air Salvage of Dallas near Lancaster, Texas, conducted by the NTSB investigator-in-charge and a Textron Lycoming representative revealed that an improper clamp was found installed on the mixture control cable that would not allow the mixture cable to fully extend to the full rich position. Examination of the engine revealed the #1 fuel injector nozzle was loose, and the #2 fuel injector line was loose at the nozzle. All fuel injectors were found to be clean. After multiple attempts, the NTSB was unable to obtain a completed Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2).

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:16 CST
Nearest AirportUniversity Of Oklahoma Westhei (0nm)
Runway3
Runway Length4747 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftMooney M20A
Tail NumberN8390E
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-360-A1A · Reciprocating · 200
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 39 · Third Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind60° @ 13 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point41 C / 27 C
Altimeter30.17 inHg
Observation Time15:45
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data