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

June 11, 2007 · Wsk Pzl Mielec PZL-M-18 · N26756

Manito, IL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 11, 2007
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Manito, IL
Aircraft
Wsk Pzl Mielec PZL-M-18
Tail Number
N26756
Operator
Palmer Flying Service
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI07CA165

The agricultural airplane was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain during initial climb from runway 22 (2,784 feet by 40 feet, asphalt). Prior to departure the pilot completed a preflight inspection of the airplane, including loading the airplane with 350 gallons of an aerial application chemical and 125 gallons of avgas, and warming up the engine. The pilot reportedly did not experience any engine problems during the takeoff ground run, but he noted that the tail took longer than normal to come up into a flying position. The airplane became airborne about two-thirds down the runway. After liftoff, the pilot lowered the aircraft nose to gain additional airspeed and increased engine power because the airplane's performance was reportedly "sluggish." After the airplane had cleared some irrigation equipment the pilot lowered the nose again in an attempt to gain additional airspeed, but the airplane was "vibrating and felt rough." The pilot then noted trees and houses ahead of the airplane and began a slight right turn to clear them. The airplane "stalled" and impacted terrain while the pilot attempted to avoid the obstacles. The aircraft's type-certificate data sheet lists the maximum gross weight as being 9,260 lbs. The pilot reported that the airplane's gross weight was 10,500 lbs, but supporting documentation for the gross weight increase was not located. The airplane's weight at departure was reportedly 10,289 lbs.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain proper airspeed and his decision to attempt flight over maximum gross weight. A factor to the accident was the stall encountered while attempting to avoid obstacles.

Full Narrative

The agricultural airplane was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain during initial climb from runway 22 (2,784 feet by 40 feet, asphalt). Prior to departure the pilot completed a preflight inspection of the airplane, including loading the airplane with 350 gallons of an aerial application chemical and 125 gallons of avgas, and warming up the engine. The pilot reportedly did not experience any engine problems during the takeoff ground run, but he noted that the tail took longer than normal to come up into a flying position. The airplane became airborne about two-thirds down the runway. After liftoff, the pilot lowered the aircraft nose to gain additional airspeed and increased engine power because the airplane's performance was reportedly "sluggish." After the airplane had cleared some irrigation equipment the pilot lowered the nose again in an attempt to gain additional airspeed, but the airplane was "vibrating and felt rough." The pilot then noted trees and houses ahead of the airplane and began a slight right turn to clear them. The airplane "stalled" and impacted terrain while the pilot attempted to avoid the obstacles. The aircraft's type-certificate data sheet lists the maximum gross weight as being 9,260 lbs. The pilot reported that the airplane's gross weight was 10,500 lbs, but supporting documentation for the gross weight increase was not located. The airplane's weight at departure was reportedly 10,289 lbs.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time06:50 CDT
Nearest AirportManito Michell (0nm)
Runway22
Runway Length2784 ft
Runway Width40 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftWsk Pzl Mielec PZL-M-18
Tail NumberN26756
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorPalmer Flying Service
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsWsk Pzl Kalisz · ASZ-62IR-M18 · Reciprocating · 967
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 51 · First Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind70° @ 4 kt
Visibility8 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point64 F / 57
Altimeter30.07 inHg
Observation Time11:54
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data