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

July 6, 2002 · Taylorcraft F21B · N4418F

Somerville, TN

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 6, 2002
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Somerville, TN
Aircraft
Taylorcraft F21B
Tail Number
N4418F
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
MIA02LA129

The pilot stated that on final approach to land he lowered the nose of the airplane to lose the excess altitude, but the airspeed increased, so in an attempt to reach the target airspeed he pulled back on the controls as the airplane neared the landing runway and stalled the airplane about 20 feet above the runway. He said that the airplane descended impacting the ground, and came to rest about 20 feet off the runway, incurring damage. Prior to the accident there had been no mechanical failure or malfunction with the airplane or its systems.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's improper landing flare resulting in a hard landing and damage to the airplane.

Full Narrative

On July 6, 2000, about 1300 eastern daylight time, a Taylorcraft F21B, N4418F, registered to and operated by a private owner, as a Title 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight, crashed while the pilot was attempting to land at Fayette County Airport, Somerville, Tennessee. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The airplane sustained substantial damage, and the commercial-rated pilot received minor injuries. The flight originated in Alliance, Ohio, the same day, about 0900. The pilot stated that on final approach to land he adjusted the throttle control and reduced engine power, but realized that he was too high. He said he lowered the nose of the airplane to lose the excess altitude, but the airspeed increased, so in an attempt to reach the target airspeed he pulled back on the controls as the airplane neared the landing runway and stalled the airplane about 20 feet above the runway. He said that the airplane descended impacting the ground, and came to rest about 20 feet off the runway, incurring damage to both wing spars, the landing gear, and the propeller. Prior to the accident there had been no mechanical failure or malfunction with the airplane or its systems.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:00 CDT
Nearest AirportFayette County (0nm)
Runway36
Runway Length3500 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftTaylorcraft F21B
Tail NumberN4418F
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsTextron Lycoming · O-235-L2C · Reciprocating · 118
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 55 · Second Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind3 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Altimeter30.07 inHg
Observation Time17:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data