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

September 13, 2003 · Aviat Pitts S-2C · N57BC

Mountain View, CA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 13, 2003
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Mountain View, CA
Aircraft
Aviat Pitts S-2C
Tail Number
N57BC
Operator
William E Cornick
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX03CA287

The pilot dragged a wing while performing during an air show. As the pilot was executing a series of low altitude slow rolls, about 35 feet above ground level (agl), the left wing contacted the runway. The airplane then impacted the runway inverted and slid to a stop. No mechanical malfunctions were reported prior to the mishap.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's failure to maintain an adequate clearance with the runway during a low altitude aerobatic maneuver.

Full Narrative

On September 13, 2003, at 1545 Pacific daylight time, an Aviat Pitts S-2C acrobatic biplane, N57BC, dragged a wing while performing during an air show at Moffett Federal Airfield, Mountain View, California. The pilot/owner was operating the airplane under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The airplane sustained substantial damage; the pilot sustained minor injuries. The flight departed Moffett at 1540 for the purpose of performing in an airshow. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan had been filed. In a written statement, the pilot reported that he was an air show performer at the Moffett Field Air Expo. While executing a series of low altitude slow rolls, about 35 feet above ground level (agl), the left wing contacted the runway. The airplane then impacted the runway inverted and slid to a stop. The pilot did not report any mechanical malfunctions prior to the mishap.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:45 PDT
Nearest AirportMoffett Field (0nm)
Runway32
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo

Aircraft

AircraftAviat Pitts S-2C
Tail NumberN57BC
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorWilliam E Cornick
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · AEIO-540 · Reciprocating

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 70 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0

Appendix: Source Data