Overall Trends
Total, fatal, and serious accidents in the selected range.
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
Search everything
Fast key and full-text search with live filters, watches, and precise metadata.
Use quotes for exact phrase matches (for example "fuel selector valve").
Featured 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…
High-signal investigations
Major cases, deep-report coverage, and investigation media across decades of NTSB history.
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 manufacturersAirports
More airportsOperators
More operatorsAbout
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
May 18, 2004 · Wilford J Tolman Kitfox 6 · N3079H
Montrose, CO
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 18, 2004
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Montrose, CO
Aircraft
Wilford J Tolman Kitfox 6
Tail Number
N3079H
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
DEN04CA076
The pilot was departing on runway 31. Immediately after liftoff, he said a gust of wind (200 degrees for 25 knots) struck his airplane. The airplane fell to the ground and departed the right side of the runway. Subsequently, the airplane rotated to the left approximately 180 degrees, causing the right main gear to be folded back and bending the empennage approximately 80 degrees to the left.
NTSB Probable Cause
the pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during takeoff initial climb. A contributing factor was the gusting left tailwind weather condition.
Full Narrative
On May 18, 2002, at 1643 mountain daylight time, a Tolman Kitfox 6 home-built, N3079H, was substantially damaged following departure off the right side of runway 31, at Montrose Regional Airport, Montrose, Colorado. The commercial pilot and his passenger were not injured. The airplane was being operated under Title 14 CFR Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal, cross-country flight that was originating at the time of the accident. The pilot said that he was taking off and had just become airborne. A gust of wind struck him from the left rear (200 degrees for 25 knots), and the airplane departed the right side of the runway. The airplane subsequently rotated approximately 180 degrees to the left, causing the right main gear to be folded back and bending the empennage approximately 80 degrees to the left. The density altitude was calculated to be 8,344 feet.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:43 MDT
Nearest AirportMontrose Regional (0nm)
Runway31
Runway Length7509 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftWilford J Tolman Kitfox 6
Tail NumberN3079H
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsRotax · 712 · Reciprocating · 100
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 65 · Third Class · None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind200° @ 15 kt, gusting 25 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point28 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time22:53
Weather SourceWFAC