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

August 28, 2002 · Cessna 182S · N4183N

Fishers, IN

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 28, 2002
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (3 uninjured)
Location
Fishers, IN
Aircraft
Cessna 182S
Tail Number
N4183N
Operator
Indianapolis Aviation
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI02LA264

The left wing contacted a light pole during taxi. The pilot had taxied the airplane to the runway in preparation for takeoff when a passenger reported feeling ill. The pilot taxied back to the ramp to deplane the passenger and was turning into a tie down spot when the wing contacted a light pole located 10 feet off the edge of the pavement.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot failed to maintain clearance with the light pole while taxiing. A factor was the light pole.

Full Narrative

On August 28, 2002, at 1143 eastern standard time, a Cessna 182S, N4183N, collided with a light pole while taxing to a parking spot on the ramp at the Indianapolis Metro Airport, Indianapolis, Indiana. The pilot and two passengers on board were not injured. The airplane received substantial damage to its left wing. The Title 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight was operating in visual meteorological conditions and an IFR flight plan was on file. The planned destination for the flight was French Lick, Indiana. The pilot reported that he taxied the airplane to the end of runway 15 in preparation for takeoff. It was at this time that a passenger reported not feeling well. The pilot reported he taxied to the ramp to deplane the ill passenger. He reported that he decided to park in one of the tie down spots on the northeast portion of the ramp. The pilot reported that as he was turning into one of the parking spaces, the left wing contacted a light pole. The left wing was damaged one and one-half feet inboard from the tip. The pilot reported, "Taxi speed was 3-4 mph during the maneuver, however the wing was moving faster during the turn. There was also conversation between myself and the passengers during taxi, although I cannot remember if I was in conversation at the accident moment." The east edge of the ramp is bordered by 16 light poles. These poles are located 10 feet off the edge of the pavement. When parked in one of the spots the nose of the airplane is facing away from the poles. The tail tie down lugs are located 7 feet from the edge of the pavement and the wing tie downs are located 24 feet form the edge of the pavement.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:43 EDT
Nearest AirportIndianapolis Metro (0nm)
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 182S
Tail NumberN4183N
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorIndianapolis Aviation
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-540-AB1A5 · Reciprocating · 235
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (3 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured3
Total3
Crew 1Age 36 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind50° @ 10 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point64 F
Altimeter30.17 inHg
Observation Time16:55
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data