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

April 4, 2005 · Frank D Amador Searey · N43427

Green Cove Spr, FL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 4, 2005
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 serious injuries)
Location
Green Cove Spr, FL
Aircraft
Frank D Amador Searey
Tail Number
N43427
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
MIA05LA086

The pilot stated that as he slowly added power to take off, and as the speed increased, it required more right rudder control input to bring the airplane back to the centerline of the runway. At about 45 mph he said he aborted the takeoff, far to the left of the centerline, and the airplane departed the runway and ultimately impacted a tree. According to an FAA inspector who responded to the accident, the airplane's rudder had jammed full to the left, and the pilot's left rudder control cable was found to have jammed between the upper seat rail structure tube, and the lower rudder foot rest rail structure tube. After the cable was released, full rudder travel was restored in both directions. The inspector further stated that when he examined how the rudder cables had been routed, it appeared to him that the rudder cable on the right side of the airplane had been routed with greater separation between it and the rails, when compared with the left cable, which had jammed.

NTSB Probable Cause

The airplane builder's improper installation of the left rudder control cable, which resulted in the cable becoming jammed, a loss of directional control during takeoff, and the airplane departing the runway and impacting a tree.

Full Narrative

On April 4, 2005, about 1440 eastern daylight time, a Frank D. Amador Searey experimental amateur-built airplane, N43427, registered to and operated by a private individual, as a Title 14 CFR part 91 personal flight, veered off the runway and impacted a tree while attempting to take off at Haller Airpark, Green Cove Springs, Florida. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The airline transport-rated pilot and passenger received serious injuries, and the airplane incurred substantial damage. The flight originated in Green Cove Springs, the same day, about 1415. A witness stated that he was working in his hangar and he heard the accident pilot make a radio communications transmission announcing his intent to take off. The witness further stated that he also heard power being increased on the accident airplane's engine, followed shortly thereafter by power being reduced. He said he turned to observe what was happening, and saw the airplane swerve to the left during the takeoff roll. It crossed the centerline and left side of the runway, transited the ditch, and impacted a tree before coming to rest. The witness said he immediately asked his wife to call 911, and he ran to the airplane to render assistance. The pilot stated that after having been in the traffic pattern, he landed, he was preparing to take off again. He said he turned the airplane 180 degrees on the runway to back taxi for takeoff, and during the turns, the flight controls seemed normal. As he slowly added power to take off, and as the speed increased, he said it required more right rudder control input to bring the airplane back to the centerline of the runway. At about 45 mph he said he aborted the takeoff, far to the left of the centerline, and the airplane departed the runway, hit a drainage grating, transited a ditch, ascended a slight grade, and impacted a tree. According to an FAA inspector who responded to the accident, the airplane's rudder had jammed full to the left, and the pilot's left rudder control cable was found to have jammed between the upper seat rail structure tube, and the lower rudder foot rest rail structure tube. After the cable was released, full rudder travel was restored in both directions. The inspector further stated that when he examined how the rudder cables had been routed, it appeared to him that the rudder cable on the right side of the airplane had been routed with greater separation between it and the rails, when compared with the left cable, which had jammed.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:40 EDT
Nearest AirportHaller Airpark (0nm)
Runway000
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftFrank D Amador Searey
Tail NumberN43427
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsRotax · 912 · Reciprocating · 85
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (2 serious injuries)
Fatal0
Serious2
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 68 · None · Serious

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind80° @ 7 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point36 C
Altimeter30.12 inHg
Observation Time18:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data