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

February 29, 2008 · Cessna 170B · N2571D

Truckee, CA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 29, 2008
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Truckee, CA
Aircraft
Cessna 170B
Tail Number
N2571D
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX08CA070

Prior to takeoff, the pilot had conducted left and right clearing circles, and was aware that the right brake was "spongy." He decided to continue with the flight and took off on a local area flight that lasted for an hour. Upon returning to the airport, he noted that there was a southerly crosswind about 10-13 knots. The pilot performed a normal wheel-landing and the airplane began to weathervane to the left of the runway on the rollout. The pilot activated the right rudder and brake pedal to correct back to centerline, but the airplane continued to the left of the runway. As the airplane continued off the runway's edge into snow, the left main tire caught in the snow, pivoted the airplane, and the airplane came to rest on its nose. The airplane's braking system was inspected by an FAA inspector who noted that the right brake was "spongy," and that with very little applied force to the pedal it would "bottom out."

NTSB Probable Cause

Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Directional control-Not attained/maintained - C

Full Narrative

The pilot stated that he had taken a personal flight around the local area and when he returned about an hour later, he noted that the winds were about 10-13 knots and a crosswind existed for the active runway (runway 28). The landing was normal and as the airspeed slowed the airplane weathervaned and moved towards the edge of the runway. A landing gear tire caught the snow at the runway's edge and the airplane went up on its nose. The pilot stated that the right brake was too mushy to "hold the aircraft with strong cross wind." The pilot also stated that the brakes needed to be maintained better and that he did not realize that the brakes were too soft until it was too late. According to airport personnel the pilot reported a crosswind from the south. As the airplane landed, the airplane began to weathervane, and the pilot activated the right pedal. Airport personnel noted the winds were from 180 degrees at 13 knots. He noted a skid mark on the runway from the right main landing gear tire that began near the centerline. As the airplane continued off the runway, the left main tire went through the snow off the runway edge for about 50 feet before the airplane pivoted and came to rest on its nose. A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector interviewed the pilot. The pilot stated that he was performing a wheel landing when the airplane weathervaned to the left. The pilot applied right rudder and brake to correct back to centerline, but the right pedal was soft and spongy. After departing the runway, the airplane nosed over, which caused structural damage to the right wing inboard rear spar. The pilot also reported to the FAA inspector that he knew the right brake was soft before takeoff, but decided that it was not an issue at the time as he had made left and right clearing circles on the ground prior to takeoff without any difficulty. The FAA inspector examined the brake system and noted the right brake was "spongy," and that the brake pedal would "bottom out with very little force applied."

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:30 PST
Nearest AirportTruckee-Tahoe (0nm)
Runway28
Runway Length8000 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 170B
Tail NumberN2571D
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · C-145-2 · Reciprocating

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 52 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind190° @ 11 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point55 / 21 C
Altimeter30.10 inHg
Observation Time19:45
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data