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 27, 2003 · Garnett-Robert Barnett J4B · N9565A

Prineville, OR

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 27, 2003
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Prineville, OR
Aircraft
Garnett-Robert Barnett J4B
Tail Number
N9565A
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
SEA04LA012

The non-certificated pilot said he didn't know he needed a pilot's license or medical certificate to fly the gyrocopter, and that this was the first time he had ever flown the aircraft. The pilot went up and down the runway a number of times getting the feel of the aircraft. After taking off the pilot said he thought he had the stick too far back and that he stalled the aircraft. The aircraft impacted terrain on the left side of the runway, coming to rest on its right side and tilting over about 45 degrees. The pilot had received no flight training before the flight, but had viewed instructional videotapes about flying gyroplanes.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed which resulted in an inadvertent stall during the initial takeoff climb. A factor was the lack of pilot certification.

Full Narrative

On October 27, 2003, at 1427 Pacific standard time, a Garnett-Robert Barnett J4B rotorcraft, N9565A, sustained substantial damage after a loss of control during initial takeoff climb from the Prineville Airport, Prineville, Oregon. The aircraft was registered to and operated by a private individual. The non-certificated pilot, sole occupant of the aircraft, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight, and a flight plan was not filed. The flight was originating at the time of the accident. According to the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2), and in interviews with the NTSB investigator-in-charge and an FAA inspector, the pilot reported that he had purchased the aircraft a couple of years ago. The pilot stated that he didn't know he needed a pilot's license or medical certificate to fly the gyrocopter, and that this was the first time he had ever flown N9565A. The pilot further stated the he went up and down the runway a number of times "getting the feel of the aircraft. Then I tried a takeoff. I think I had the stick too far back, and as I lifted off I stalled." The aircraft impacted terrain on the left side of the runway, coming to rest on its right side and tilting over about 45 degrees. The pilot stated that the cause of the accident might have been the wind gust, stalling the aircraft after pulling too far back on the stick, or "just losing control of it." The pilot reported that he had received no flight training, but had viewed instructional videotapes about flying gyroplanes. An FAA inspector, who traveled to the accident site, reported that all three propeller blades were damaged, the main rotor blades were destroyed, the mast and cyclic vertical push-pull tubes had separated, and that the right main landing gear had failed at the attachment point with the basic airframe. All three composite blades were broken with approximately 10 inches of each blade remaining attached to the propeller hub.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:27 PST
Nearest AirportPrineville Airport (0nm)
Runway28
Runway Length4000 ft
Runway Width40 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftGarnett-Robert Barnett J4B
Tail NumberN9565A
Aircraft CategoryGyro
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsSubaru · EJ22 · Reciprocating · 150
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1None · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind350° @ 6 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point30 C
Altimeter30.27 inHg
Observation Time21:56
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data