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

July 11, 2007 · Cessna T206H · N97PP

Gunnison, CO

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 11, 2007
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury)
Location
Gunnison, CO
Aircraft
Cessna T206H
Tail Number
N97PP
Operator
James E Bertelsmeyer
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
DEN07LA119

The pilot said he rotated between 65 and 70 KIAS, flew in ground effect, and then climbed to about 50 to 75 feet. There was a "significant reduction in power" and the airplane "started gyrating wildly." The "right wing stalled and struck the runway along with the right main wheel." The airplane bounced, collapsing the nose wheel, and skidded to a halt on the side of the runway. The right wing was bent up about four feet inboard on the tip. Of the six witness statements received, one reported hearing an "unusual noise." Another witness heard the engine "misfire." The engine was examined. No anomalies were noted. The lineman who had been on duty on the morning of the accident reported witnessing the entire accident sequence. He stated that full power was developed as the airplane accelerated down the runway. At the 1,000-foot marker, the airplane lifted off and assumed "a very steep angle of attitude" (approximately 15 degrees or greater), and climbed to about 15 to 25 feet above the ground. The engine began surging (it was "not rhythmic and did not stop"). The pilot leveled off and began a stabilized descent, as if he were making a forced landing, and then leveled off again. The airplane suddenly dipped to the left and pulled up to a "high angle of attitude." The airplane stalled and broke to the right and nosed into the ground.

NTSB Probable Cause

An inadvertent stall during takeoff/initial climb. Contributing factors in this accident were a partial loss of engine power for reasons undetermined, and high density altitude conditions.

Full Narrative

On July 11, 2007, at 1034 mountain daylight time, a Cessna T206H, N97PP, piloted by a private pilot, was substantially damaged when it impacted the runway after the engine lost partial power during takeoff and initial climb from Gunnison County Airport (GUC), Gunnison, Colorado. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The personal flight was being conducted under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91, and an instrument flight plan had been filed. The pilot, the sole occupant aboard, was seriously injured. The cross-country flight was originating at the time of the accident, and was en route to Saratoga, Wyoming. The pilot said he rotated between 65 and 70 KIAS, flew in ground effect, and then climbed to about 50 to 75 feet. There was a "significant reduction in power" and the airplane "started gyrating wildly." The "right wing stalled and struck the runway along with the right main wheel." The airplane bounced, collapsing the nose wheel, and skidded to a halt on the side of the runway. The right wing was bent up about four feet inboard on the tip. Of the six witness statements received, one reported hearing an "unusual noise." Another witness heard the engine "misfire." On August 22, 2007, a cursory engine examination was performed in Gunnison. The top spark plugs were removed and bore a dark discoloration. According to the Textron Lycoming representative, this discoloration was consistent with operating at a slightly rich mixture. A borescope examination of the cylinders and bottom spark plugs revealed no anomalies. The propeller was turned over and all cylinders produced good thumb compression. There was continuity throughout the power train. The battery was reconnected and the boost pump was activated, pressurizing the fuel system. Examination of a fuel sample revealed a clear, bluish fuel consistent with 100-LL aviation-grade gasoline. The lineman who had been on duty on the morning of the accident approached this investigator and reported witnessing the entire accident sequence. He also submitted a written statement. He stated that full power was developed as the airplane accelerated down the runway. At the 1,000-foot marker, the airplane lifted off and assumed "a very steep angle of attitude" (approximately 15 degrees or greater), and climbed to about 15 to 25 feet above the ground. The engine began surging (it was "not rhythmic and did not stop"). The pilot leveled off and began a stabilized descent, as if he were making a forced landing, and then leveled off again. The airplane suddenly dipped to the left and pulled up to a "high angle of attitude." The airplane stalled and broke to the right and nosed into the ground.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:34 MDT
Nearest AirportGunnison-Crested Butte Regiona (0nm)
Runway06
Runway Length9400 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna T206H
Tail NumberN97PP
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorJames E Bertelsmeyer
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · TIO-540-AJ1A · Reciprocating · 310
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 65 · Third Class · Serious

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point41 C
Altimeter30.42 inHg
Observation Time14:55
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data