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 21, 2006 · Hudspeth Shawn D Challenger II · N44594

Bessemer, AL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 21, 2006
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Bessemer, AL
Aircraft
Hudspeth Shawn D Challenger II
Tail Number
N44594
Operator
Tom Rudolph Slagle
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ATL07CA023

The non-certificated pilot stated that "I lost control of my [air]craft on approach to Bessemer Airport on runway 5. There was a strong crosswind from the west causing severe rotor turbulence. This caused the aircraft to alternated balloon and sink and I added power to regain stable flight causing a yaw to the left from which I could not recover. I hit the ground shortly before striking a pine tree on the left side of the runway. The impact with the tree severed the left wing and caused the remainder of the [air]craft to spin to the left and come to rest a short distance from the tree." There were no mechanical problems discovered during the post-accident examination of the airplane. Winds were 250-degrees at 8 knots, gusting to 15 knots.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during an approach for landing. A factor in the accident was gusting winds.

Full Narrative

On November 21, 2006, at 1453 central standard time, a Challenger II, homebuilt experimental airplane, N44594, registered to a private owner, operating as a 14 CFR Part 91, personal flight, collided with trees during an approach to runway 5, at the Bessemer Airport in Bessemer, Alabama. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The airplane received substantial damage. The non-certificated pilot reported no injuries. The flight originated from Dewitt, Arkansas on November 21, 2006 at an undetermined time. In a written statement the pilot stated "I lost control of my [air]craft on approach to Bessemer Airport on runway 5. There was a strong crosswind from the west causing severe rotor turbulence. This caused the aircraft to alternate, balloon, and sink, and I added power to regain stable flight causing a yaw to the left from which I could not recover. I hit the ground shortly before striking a pine tree on the left side of the runway. The impact with the tree severed the left wing and caused the remainder of the [air]craft to spin to the left and come to rest a short distance from the tree." Several attempts to contact the pilot by both the NTSB IIC and the FAA have been unsuccessful. The pilot did not compete an NTSB 6120.1/2 Accident Report. A review of information on file with the FAA Airman's Certification Division, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, revealed that the pilot was denied a third class medical certificate in 1991, and surrendered his private pilot certificate to the FAA. Examination of the airplane by an FAA Inspector found the left wing separated from the fuselage, along with the left wing strut. There were no mechanical problems discovered during the post-accident examination of the airplane. The Shelby County Airport , Alabaster, Alabama, 1453 surface weather observation was wind 250-degrees at 8-knots, gusting to 15, visibility 10 miles, sky clear, temperature 39-degrees Fahrenheit, dew point temperature 37-degrees Fahrenheit, altimeter 30.26.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:53 CST
Nearest AirportBessemer Airport (0nm)
Runway5
Runway Length5700 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftHudspeth Shawn D Challenger II
Tail NumberN44594
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorTom Rudolph Slagle
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsRotax · 503 · Reciprocating
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 66 · None · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind250° @ 8 kt, gusting 15 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point39 C / 37 C
Altimeter30.26 inHg
Observation Time14:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data