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

November 8, 2004 · Robinson R22 BETA · N995JW

Eagle Pass, TX

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 8, 2004
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Eagle Pass, TX
Aircraft
Robinson R22 BETA
Tail Number
N995JW
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
DFW05LA022

While maneuvering at a low altitude while herding cattle, the helicopter began an uncontrolled yaw to the right. The 6,000-hour commercial pilot attempted to correct with full left pedal, but could not arrest the right turn. Unable to control the helicopter, the pilot initiated a landing to a confined field containing brush and high vegetation. The helicopter contacted the ground at a high rate of descent and came to rest in an upright position. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunction or failure of the helicopter.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain control of the helicopter. A contributing factor was the unsuitable terrain for landing.

Full Narrative

On November 8, 2004, approximately 1030 central standard time, a Robinson R22 Beta single-engine helicopter, N995JW, was substantially damaged following a loss of control while maneuvering near Eagle Pass, Texas. The commercial pilot, sole occupant of the helicopter, was not injured. The helicopter was registered to and operated by the pilot. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan was not filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 cattle herding flight. The local flight originated from a private ranch, approximately 30 minutes earlier. According to the 6,000-hour pilot, while maneuvering at a low altitude while herding cattle, the helicopter began an uncontrolled yaw to the right. The pilot attempted to correct with full left pedal, but could not arrest the right turn. Unable to control the helicopter, the pilot initiated a landing to a confined field containing brush and high vegetation. The helicopter contacted the ground in a high rate of descent, and came to rest in an upright position. According to the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2) the pilot reported that there was no mechanical malfunction or failure of the helicopter. Neither the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) nor the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) responded to the accident site. An FAA inspector obtained photographs of the helicopter and reported that the tail-rotor had separated from the helicopter and revealed damage consistent with a tail rotor-strike. He also reported that the fuselage was buckled and had sustained structural damage.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:30 CST
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftRobinson R22 BETA
Tail NumberN995JW
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360-J2A · Reciprocating · 180
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 51 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind135° @ 5 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data