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

October 26, 2007 · Luscombe 8A · N2099K

Pensacola, FL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 26, 2007
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Pensacola, FL
Aircraft
Luscombe 8A
Tail Number
N2099K
Operator
John Jenista
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
NYC08LA021

During takeoff, the tail wheel airplane was about 2 feet in the air when it suddenly veered to the left. The pilot attempted to land on the remaining runway; however, the airplane continued left and impacted trees to the left of the runway. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed the tail wheel leaf spring was separated from the tail wheel assembly, and the wheel was "jammed" against the rudder. The fracture surface appeared to be a fatigue failure. The airplane's most recent annual inspection was completed about 9 months prior to the accident, with no anomalies noted. Checking the tail wheel spring was a requirement during an annual inspection. Without removing the outer clip, a pilot would not be able to check the spring during a preflight inspection.

NTSB Probable Cause

The fatigue fracture of the tail wheel spring during takeoff.

Full Narrative

On October 26, 2007, at 1545 central daylight time, a Luscombe 8A, N2099K, was substantially damaged during takeoff from Ferguson Airport (82J), Pensacola, Florida. The certificated commercial pilot and passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the local flight conducted under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. The pilot departed from runway 36 at 82J, and was about 2 feet in the air when the airplane suddenly veered to the left. The pilot attempted to land on the remaining runway; however, the airplane continued left and impacted trees to the left of the runway. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that the tail wheel leaf spring was separated from the tail wheel assembly, and the wheel was "jammed" against the rudder. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector who examined the airplane, the fracture surface appeared to be a fatigue failure. The tail wheel assembly attached to the fuselage by two leaf springs, and two connector springs and chains (one on the right side and one on the left). A bolt and nut secured the leaf springs to the tail wheel assembly, and a clamp was installed over the connection. The leaf spring fracture occurred in the area that would have been under the clamp. The airplane's most recent annual inspection was completed on January 27, 2007, with no anomalies noted. According to a representative of the company that owns the Type Certificate for the airplane, checking the tail wheel spring was a requirement during an annual inspection. Without removing the outer clip (secured by a bolt and nut), a pilot would not be able to check the spring during a preflight inspection.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:45 CDT
Nearest AirportFerguson Airport (0nm)
Runway36
Runway Length3200 ft
Runway Width200 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftLuscombe 8A
Tail NumberN2099K
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorJohn Jenista
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · A-658 · Reciprocating · 65
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 50 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind4 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F / 48
Altimeter30.06 inHg
Observation Time20:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data