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 15, 2003 · Canadair CL-600-2B19 · N445AW

Miami, FL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 15, 2003
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (44 uninjured)
Location
Miami, FL
Aircraft
Canadair CL-600-2B19
Tail Number
N445AW
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ATL04LA053

During the pushback from the gate, the tug operator attempted to stop the airplane on the ramp. At the time of pushback operations the ramp surface was wet and the lighting condition on the ramp was dark. The tug slid to the left as the airplane went to the right for undetermined reasons. The shear pin on the tow bar broke and the airplane turned to the right. The tug collided with the right side of the fuselage after the tug driver jumped from the tug. Examination of the airplane revealed 9 damaged ribs on the bottom side of the fuselage.

NTSB Probable Cause

The tug operator's loss of control and his failure to maintain clearance from the aircraft during pushback operations.

Full Narrative

On December 14, 2003 at 1955 eastern standard time, a Can Adair, CL-600-2B19 N445AW, registered to and operated by Air Wisconsin as flight 2146 from Miami, Florida, enrooted to Tampa, Florida, was struck by a pushback tug at Miami International Airport, Miami Florida. The instrument commercial flight was operated under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 121 with a flight plan filed. Visual weather conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The airline transport rated pilot, crew and 40 revenue passengers were not injured. The accident occurred at 1955, on December 14, 2003. During the pushback from the gate, the tug driver attempted to stop the airplane on the ramp near spot 10. At the time of pushback the surface of the ramp was wet and dark. The tug operator applied the breaks and the tug began to skid. According to the tug operator, the aircraft slid to the right, and the tug was pushed to the left. The tow bar shear pin broke and the airplane turned to the right. The tug collided with the right side of the fuselage after the tug driver jumped from the tug. The passengers were deplaned on the ramp thru the air stair door. Examination of the tug operator's training records revealed the tug operator was certififed on 10/15/2003 in accordance with Aircraft Service International Group and Air Tran Airways standards and operating procedures. Examination of the airplane revealed 9 damaged ribs on the bottom side of the fuselage. The iris and four bolts were sent to the National Transportation Safety Board Materials Laboratory for further examination. The fracture analysis of the iris revealed that the iris was bent out of the tow bar and the four bolts broke in a shear/overstress action.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time19:55 EST
Nearest AirportMiami International (0nm N)
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCanadair CL-600-2B19
Tail NumberN445AW
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 121
Engines2
Engine TypeTurbofan
Engine DetailsBombardier · CF34-3B1 · Turbofan · 8729 | Bombardier · CF34-3B1 · Turbofan · 8729
Seats54

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (44 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured44
Total44
Crew 1Age 32 · First Class · None
Crew 2Age 27 · First Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDark Night
Wind280° @ 8 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 13000 ft
Altimeter29.98 inHg
Observation Time01:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data