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

September 2, 2006 · Piper PA-28-140 · N4813T

Auburn, CA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 2, 2006
Injury Outcomes
3 injuries (3 minor injuries)
Location
Auburn, CA
Aircraft
Piper PA-28-140
Tail Number
N4813T
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX06CA282

The airplane stalled and collided with terrain during takeoff, and went into a canal. The pilot reported that the weight of the airplane was 2,300 pounds, which is 150 pounds above the certified maximum gross weight of the airplane. He stated that he had not paid thorough attention to the weight and balance considerations. The airplane did not obtain enough airspeed at takeoff, which resulted in a departure stall, and the collision with terrain. The pilot stated that the airplane and engine had no mechanical failures or malfunctions.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's failure to comply with weight and balance limitations and failure to attain an adequate airspeed, which resulted in a stall and loss of control.

Full Narrative

On September 2, 2006, about 0845 Pacific daylight time, a Piper PA-28-140, N4813T, collided with terrain during takeoff at Auburn Municipal Airport, Auburn, California. The pilot/owner was operating the airplane under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The private pilot and two passengers sustained minor injuries; the airplane sustained substantial damage. The cross-country personal flight was originating with a planned destination of Santa Ynez, California. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a visual flight rules (VFR) flight plan had been filed. The approximate global positioning system (GPS) coordinates of the primary wreckage were 38 degrees 57.28 minutes north latitude and 121 degrees 4.90 minutes west longitude. The pilot stated in a written report that he was departing from runway 7. At a speed of 65 miles per hour he rotated the nose of the airplane up for liftoff. He failed to obtain enough airspeed, which resulted in a departure stall. The pilot lost control of the airplane, collided with the ground, and went into a canal. The pilot and his passengers evacuated the airplane with minor injuries. The water in the canal was swift, and the airplane drifted downstream. The fuselage was completely submerged in the canal. The left wing was bent up sharply and sticking out of the water. The pilot stated that the airplane and engine had no mechanical failures or malfunctions. He also stated that he had not paid thorough attention to weight and balance considerations. According to the pilot the weight at the time of the accident was 2,300 pounds, which is 150 pounds above the airplane's certified maximum gross weight. Several witnesses stated they saw the airplane approaching the end of the runway with the wheels still on the ground.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time08:45 PDT
Nearest AirportAuburn Muni (1nm)
Runway7
Runway Length3700 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-28-140
Tail NumberN4813T
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320 · Reciprocating · 150
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary3 injuries (3 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor3
Uninjured0
Total3
Crew 1Age 70 · Third Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point45 C
Altimeter29.89 inHg
Observation Time15:55
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data