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

October 29, 2002 · Cessna 180 · N5355D

Larson Bay, AK

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 29, 2002
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Larson Bay, AK
Aircraft
Cessna 180
Tail Number
N5355D
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ANC03LA013

The commercial pilot was landing the airplane at an off-airport site that required an approach over trees. During the final approach phase of the landing, the left wing struck a previously unnoticed tree branch, and the airplane veered to the left of the intended touchdown point. The pilot attempted to correct to the right, but the airplane touched down to the left of the landing site and collided with trees. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings, fuselage, and empennage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance while landing, which resulted in an in-flight collision with a tree.

Full Narrative

On October 29, 2002, about 1600 Alaska standard time, a wheel-equipped Cessna 180 airplane, N5355D, sustained substantial damage when it struck trees while landing at a remote off airport site, located about 5 miles southeast of Larson Bay, Alaska. The airplane was being operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) personal flight under Title 14, CFR Part 91, when the accident occurred. The commercial pilot, and the one passenger, were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a VFR flight plan was filed. The flight originated about 1450, from the Homer Airport, Homer, Alaska. During a telephone conversation with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigator-in-charge on November 7, the pilot reported that the off airport site he was landing at required an approach over a stand of trees near the beginning of the site. He said that during the final approach phase of the landing, the left wing struck a previously unnoticed tree branch, and the airplane veered to the left of the intended touchdown point. He said that he attempted to correct to the right, but the airplane touched down to the left of the landing site and collided with trees. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings, fuselage, and empennage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane. The pilot did not submit an NTSB Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120. 1).

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:00 AKST
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 180
Tail NumberN5355D
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · O-470-K · Reciprocating · 230
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 55 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind180° @ 10 kt
Visibility20 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data