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

May 17, 2008 · Mason RV-9A · N486EM

Pacific City, OR

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 17, 2008
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Pacific City, OR
Aircraft
Mason RV-9A
Tail Number
N486EM
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX08CA143

The airplane was on final approach in the traffic pattern, when the pilot noticed it was descending too fast. He attempted to increase the engine rpm by pushing the throttle forward. The engine did not respond as he expected, with no increase in rpm occurring from the throttle movement, until just prior to touchdown. The airplane touched down hard on the runway surface, subsequently bouncing back airborne. The airplane touched down again and the pilot experienced a loss of control. The nose landing gear collapsed and the airplane continued to skid; it came to rest inverted. A Meteorological Terminal Aviation Routine Weather Report (METAR) indicated a temperature of 62.6 degrees Fahrenheit, a dewpoint of 59 degrees Fahrenheit, and a relative humidity of 88 percent. According to a carburetor icing probability chart, these conditions are conducive for serious icing at glide power.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's inadequate flare and failure to maintain control following a hard landing. Contributing to the accident was a temporary partial loss of power due to carburetor icing conditions.

Full Narrative

In a written statement and in telephone conversations with a National Transportation Safety Board investigator, the pilot reported that earlier in the morning he had picked up passengers and was planning a full stop at the destination airport. While on final approach in the traffic pattern, he noted that the airplane was descending too fast. He attempted to increase the engine rpm by pushing the throttle forward. The engine did not respond as he expected, with no increase in rpm occurring from the throttle movement until just prior to touchdown. The airplane touched down hard on the runway surface. The airplane bounced back airborne and the pilot manipulated the throttle full aft to bring the engine to idle. The airplane touched down again and the pilot experienced a loss of control. The nose landing gear collapsed and the airplane continued to skid; it came to rest inverted The closest official weather observation station was 15 miles east of the airport. A Meteorological Terminal Aviation Routine Weather Report (METAR) issued 5 minutes prior to the accident indicated a temperature of 62.6 degrees Fahrenheit, a dewpoint of 59 degrees Fahrenheit, and a relative humidity of 88 percent. According to a carburetor icing probability chart, these conditions are conducive for serious icing at glide power. The airplane incurred damage to the vertical stabilizer during the accident sequence. The pilot reported that aside from the engine not immediately responding to his throttle control, there were no pre impact mechanical malfunctions or failures.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time08:35 PDT
Nearest AirportPacific City State Airport (0nm)
Runway32
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Aircraft FireNo

Aircraft

AircraftMason RV-9A
Tail NumberN486EM
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320 · Reciprocating

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 70 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point63 F / 59
Altimeter30.07 inHg

Appendix: Source Data