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

May 21, 2005 · C W Smith Rans S6 Coyote II · UNREG

Louisville, MS

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 21, 2005
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 serious injuries)
Location
Louisville, MS
Aircraft
C W Smith Rans S6 Coyote II
Tail Number
UNREG
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
MIA05LA107

The pilot stated that during the initial climb, as the aircraft reached an altitude of about 150 to 200 feet, suddenly the engine ceased operating. He said he attempted to perform a 180-degree turn to get back to the runway, but the airplane had insufficient airspeed and altitude remaining, to complete the turn, and the aircraft "pancaked" into the ground. An FAA inspector who responded to the accident scene and conducted a postcrash examination of the aircraft and engine stated that he found that the front piston and cylinder exhibited galling, consistent with the engine having operated hot, and lean.

NTSB Probable Cause

Galling of the front piston and cylinder of the Rotax 503 2-stroke engine, consistent with the engine running hot and lean for undetermined reasons, resulting in damage to the airplane during the subsequent forced landing.

Full Narrative

On May 21, 2005, about 1400 central daylight time, an unregistered Clinton W. Smith Rans S6 Coyote II experimental/amateur-built aircraft, crashed while attempting to take off from Louisville, Mississippi. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The commercial-rated pilot and one passenger received serious injuries, and the aircraft incurred substantial damage. The flight was originating at the time of the accident. The pilot stated that the passenger was interested in purchasing the aircraft, so he and the passenger spent some time prior to the takeoff taxing the aircraft, so that the passenger could evaluate his potential purchase. As they attempted to take off, during the initial climb, as the aircraft reached an altitude of about 150 to 200 feet, suddenly the engine ceased operating. The pilot said he attempted to perform a 180-degree turn to get back to the runway, but the airplane had insufficient airspeed and altitude remaining, to complete the turn, and the aircraft "pancaked" into the ground, incurring damage. An FAA inspector responded to the accident scene and conducted a postcrash examination of the aircraft and engine. The inspector stated that during the course of his examination he found that there was continuity throughout the two stroke engine, however when he inspected the pistons and cylinders, he found the front piston and cylinder to be galled, consistent with it having operated hot, and lean.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:00 CDT
Nearest AirportLouisville Winston County (0nm)
Runway17
Runway Length4519 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftC W Smith Rans S6 Coyote II
Tail NumberUNREG
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsRotax · 503 · Reciprocating · 50
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (2 serious injuries)
Fatal0
Serious2
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 72 · Second Class · Serious

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point64 F
Altimeter29.87 inHg
Observation Time18:55
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data