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

December 3, 2003 · Cessna 182-K · N3056Q

Birmingham, AL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 3, 2003
Injury Outcomes
3 injuries (3 minor injuries)
Location
Birmingham, AL
Aircraft
Cessna 182-K
Tail Number
N3056Q
Operator
James R Cowart
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ATL04LA044

The flight was uneventful until the approach to land at the destination airport. When the pilot reduced engine power for the approach, the engine lost power and the throttle would not respond. The pilot informed the control tower that he had a loss of power and proceeded to set up for an emergency landing. The airplane clipped a tree top and went through a power line before touching down on the ground. The airplane landed hard, the nose gear collapsed, and the left wing collided with a light pole. Examination of the airplane found the left and right wings had spar and wing skin damage. Examination of the engine found the throttle cable separated from the throttle body arm. The throttle cable attaching bolt was still attached to the throttle body arm, the nut was missing and the bolt was not drilled for a cotter key. Further review disclosed that Airworthiness Directive 86-24-07 and Cessna Information Letter SE79-6 had not been complied with when the engine assembly was recently installed during the annual inspection.

NTSB Probable Cause

A loss of engine power due to the throttle/power lever cable becoming disconnected in-flight, as a result of maintenance personnel failure to comply with Airworthiness Directive (AD) 86-24-07 and Cessna information letter SE79-6.

Full Narrative

On December 2, 2003, at 1950 central standard time, a Cessna 182-K, N3056Q, registered to Cowarts Construction Company, and operated by the private pilot, collided with a power line and subsequently the ground while on approach to Birmingham International Airport, Birmingham, Alabama. The flight was operated under the provisions of Title 14, CFR Part 91, and instrument flight rules. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and an instrument flight plan was filed. The pilot and two passengers received minor injuries and the airplane sustained substantial damage. The flight originated from Salem Airport, Salem, Arkansas, on December 2, 2003, at 1700. The pilot stated that the flight was uneventful until the approach to land in Birmingham. The pilot pulled the manifold pressure to 12.5 inches to descend and added power to align with the glide slope, but the engine did not respond. He then added full power, but still nothing happened. The pilot informed the control tower that he had a loss of power and proceeded to set up for an emergency landing. He stated the airplane clipped a tree top and went through a power line before touching down on the ground. The pilot stated the airplane "landed hard," the nose gear collapsed, and the left wing collided with a light pole. Examination of the airplane found the left and right wings had spar and wing skin damage, the right stabilizer and the bottom of the airframe sustained crush damage. The nose gear was folded aft. Examination of the engine found the throttle cable separated from the throttle body arm. The throttle cable attaching bolt was still attached to the throttle body arm, the nut was missing and the bolt was not drilled for a cotter key. Additionally, the examination of the throttle cable assembly revealed that Airworthiness Directive 86-24-07 and Cessna Information Letter SE79-6 had not been complied with when the engine assembly was recently installed during the annual inspection.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time19:50 CST
Nearest AirportBirmingham International (1nm NNE)
Runway36
Runway Length7100 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 182-K
Tail NumberN3056Q
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorJames R Cowart
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · IO470-F31B · Reciprocating · 260
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary3 injuries (3 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor3
Uninjured0
Total3
Crew 1Age 45 · Third Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDark Night
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point43 C / 34 C
Altimeter30.37 inHg
Observation Time01:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data