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 6, 2003 · Texas Helicopter OH-13E · N38096

Byron, IL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 6, 2003
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Byron, IL
Aircraft
Texas Helicopter OH-13E
Tail Number
N38096
Operator
Hendrickson Flying Service
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI03LA247

The helicopter was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain shortly after takeoff. The helicopter was conducting an aerial application flight and had just been loaded with chemical. The helicopter took off, but was not able to climb. It descended into the ground, and rolled onto it's side. Subsequent to the accident, the main rotor blades were found to be contaminated with insect remains. No other anomalies were found.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot not attaining translational lift during the takeoff. A factor was the high gross weight.

Full Narrative

On August 6, 2003, at 1815 central daylight time, a Texas Helicopter OH-13E, N38096, operated by Hendrickson Flying Service, sustained substantial damage when it impacted terrain while on takeoff from a field near Byron, Illinois. The helicopter descended into the ground just after takeoff and rolled over. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The commercial pilot reported minor injuries. The 14 CFR Part 137 aerial application flight was not operating on a flight plan. The flight was originating at the time of the accident. A Federal Aviation Administration inspector reported that the helicopter was conducting agricultural spraying before the accident occurred. After the helicopter landed and was reloaded with pesticides, the helicopter took off, but was not able to climb. It descended into the ground and rolled over onto it's side. The inspector reported that the main rotor blades were contaminated with insect remains. No other anomalies were found that could be determined to have existed prior to the accident. FAA-H-8083-21 - ROTORCRAFT FLYING HANDBOOK states, "Translational lift is present with any horizontal flow of air across the rotor. This increased flow is most noticeable when the airspeed reaches approximately 16 to 24 knots. As the helicopter accelerates through this speed, the rotor moves out of its vortices and is in relatively undisturbed air. The airflow is also now more horizontal, which reduces induced flow and drag with a corresponding increase in angle of attack and lift. The additional lift available at this speed is referred to as 'effective translational lift.'" The pilot has not submitted a report of the accident.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time18:15 CDT
Nearest AirportThrifty Acres Stolport (0nm)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftTexas Helicopter OH-13E
Tail NumberN38096
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorHendrickson Flying Service
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsFranklin · O-355 · Reciprocating · 210
Seats2

People & Injuries

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

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind140° @ 7 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 20000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point66 F
Altimeter29.95 inHg
Observation Time22:54
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data