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

August 31, 2004 · Rockwell 112TCA · N44MH

San Rafael, CA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 31, 2004
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
San Rafael, CA
Aircraft
Rockwell 112TCA
Tail Number
N44MH
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX04LA308

During initial climb between 100 and 200 feet above ground level, the airplane's engine lost all power due to fuel starvation. The pilot made a forced landing in a marsh about 1/4-mile beyond the runway's departure end. After the airplane came to rest upside down in the 2- to 4-foot-deep marsh, the pilot extricated himself and waded to the shore. The pilot had refueled his airplane just before takeoff. During takeoff, full engine power was initially developed with the fuel selector positioned to the "Both" tanks position. Following the accident when the airplane was examined, no evidence of any preimpact mechanical malfunction was noted. The engine's electric fuel pump switch was observed in the "OFF" position. The pump switch was required to be "ON" during takeoff. During the initial climb, the engine driven fuel pump likely had not pumped sufficient fuel to the engine to maintain power, which resulted in fuel starvation.

NTSB Probable Cause

A total loss of engine power during initial climb due to fuel starvation, which was caused by the pilot's failure to turn on the electric boost pump and an undetermined failure of the engine driven pump to supply sufficient fuel to the carburetor.

Full Narrative

On August 30, 2004, about 1735 Pacific daylight time, a Rockwell International 112TCA, N44MH, experienced a total loss of engine power during initial climb from a private airstrip about 3 miles north of San Rafael, California. The pilot made a forced landing in a marshy area of the Mcinnis Park. The airplane nosed over upon touchdown and was substantially damaged. The private pilot, who owned and operated the airplane, sustained minor shoulder harness-related restraint type injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed. The personal flight was performed under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The flight originated from San Rafael about 1734. The pilot reported to the National Transportation Safety Board investigator that he had just refueled his airplane at the San Rafael private airstrip, his home base. Thereafter, he performed a normal preflight inspection and checked the engine's magnetos. No discrepancies were noted. Full engine power was applied during the takeoff roll, with the fuel selector positioned to the "Both" tanks position. Upon climbing between 100 and 200 feet above ground level, the engine suddenly lost all power. The pilot stated that, to the best of his recollection, the power loss was not preceded by any unusual sound. The pilot made a forced landing about 1/4-mile beyond the runway's departure end. After the airplane came to rest upside down in the 2- to 4-foot-deep marsh, the pilot extricated himself and waded to the shore. The airplane was recovered from the accident site and was examined by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) aviation safety inspector. The FAA inspector reported finding no evidence of any preimpact mechanical malfunction. He indicated that only about 1 teaspoon of fuel was drained out of the gascolator. The engine's electric fuel pump switch was observed in the "OFF" position. The FAA inspector additionally reported that the pump was required to be "ON" during takeoff. The FAA inspector opined that during the initial climb, the engine driven fuel pump had not pumped sufficient fuel to the engine to maintain power. This resulted in fuel starvation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:35 PDT
Nearest AirportSan Rafael (1nm SW)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftRockwell 112TCA
Tail NumberN44MH
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · TO-360-C1A6D · Reciprocating · 210
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 43 · Third Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind290° @ 18 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point66 F / 57
Altimeter29.90 inHg
Observation Time00:56
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data