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

March 12, 2004 · Ayres S-2R · N8930Q

Los Banos, CA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 12, 2004
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Los Banos, CA
Aircraft
Ayres S-2R
Tail Number
N8930Q
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX04CA154

The airplane veered off the runway and nosed over while attempting to takeoff in a westerly direction, during dusk. While on takeoff roll, the pilot's visibility was limited due to sun glare. He lost visual reference to the runway and veered off the pavement to the left. The airplane continued off the runway and encountered soft terrain. The left main landing gear sank, and the airplane nosed over, coming to rest inverted. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's failure to maintain proper runway alignment due to visual restrictions from the light condition, resulting in a nose over. Factors in the accident were the dusk light conditions and sun glare.

Full Narrative

On March 11, 2004, about 1800 Pacific standard time, an Ayres Thrush S-2R, N8930Q, veered off the runway and nosed over while attempting to takeoff at a private dirt strip near Los Banos, California. T-Craft, Inc., was operating the airplane under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 137 as a local aerial application flight. The commercial pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured; the airplane sustained substantial damage. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan had not been filed. In a written statement, the pilot reported that he was attempting to depart the field in a westerly direction, during dusk. While on takeoff roll, his visibility was limited due to glare from the setting sun. The pilot lost visual reference to the runway and veered off the pavement to the left. The airplane continued off the runway and encountered soft terrain. The left main landing gear sank, and the airplane nosed over. The airplane came to rest inverted. The pilot stated that the accident could have been prevented if he had departed in an easterly direction. The airplane incurred damage to the wing tips and cockpit. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time18:00 PST
Nearest AirportPrivate Airstrip (0nm)
Runway27
Runway Length2640 ft
Runway Width60 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo

Aircraft

AircraftAyres S-2R
Tail NumberN8930Q
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsPratt & Whitney · R1340 · Reciprocating

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 58 · Second Class · Minor

Conditions

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

Appendix: Source Data