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 21, 2008 · Cessna 172 M · N9912Q

Salmon, ID

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 21, 2008
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Salmon, ID
Aircraft
Cessna 172 M
Tail Number
N9912Q
Operator
Scott Patrick
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX08CA237

The pilot reported gusty wind conditions prior to his takeoff. During the takeoff initial climb out, the wind shifted and the airplane was not able to maintain altitude. The airplane landed hard beyond the departure end of the runway and the nose landing gear folded back into the airplane causing damage to the firewall. In the pilot's written statement he reported that he should not have been in such a hurry to take off and that if he would have departed 10 minutes earlier or later the winds would not have affected the takeoff. Archived AWOS weather for the airport at 1535 reported winds from 190 degrees at 7 knots. At 1515 winds were reported to be from 210 degrees at 8 knots gusting to 32 knots. Winds reported at 1555 were from 250 degrees at 14 knots gusting to 31 knots; with the winds varying in direction from 210 degrees to 280 degrees.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's decision to take off in known adverse wind conditions that lead to an encounter with a windshear, the resulting inability of the pilot to maintain airspeed, and a stall/mush into the terrain.

Full Narrative

The pilot stated that shortly after takeoff, the airplane was struck by "severe windshear," which "slammed" the airplane into the ground at the departure end of the runway. He reported that the airport's AWOS (Automated Weather Observation System) was not working at the time of the accident. He taxied his airplane toward the runway, where he waited for an airplane to land. He taxied onto the active runway and departed for a local area airport. The pilot established the airplane on a best rate of climb (Vy) for the initial climb out. About 100 feet above the ground, the airplane encountered the windshear. The pilot stated that his first reaction was to pull back, and maintain the Vy airspeed. Eventually he had to change to the best angle of climb (Vx) to stay in the air. The airplane was not able to maintain altitude and impacted the ground. The nose landing gear folded back into the airplane, which caused structural damage to the firewall. The pilot stated that prior to takeoff the winds were "gusting in various directions of differing magnitude." The departure sock showed variable light gusts. Shortly after takeoff the windsock switched directions and intensity. The pilot reported that the winds were variable at 17 knots gusting to 18 knots. Archived AWOS weather for the airport at 1535 reported winds from 190 degrees at 7 knots. At 1515, winds were reported to be from 210 degrees at 8 knots, gusting to 32 knots. Winds reported at 1555 were from 250 degrees at 14 knots, gusting to 31 knots; with variable winds from 210 degrees to 280 degrees. In the Recommendation (How could this accident have been prevented?) section of the National Transportation Safety Board Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident/Incident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1), the pilot stated that he should not have been in a hurry and waited for the winds to become consistent. He further reported that if he had departed 10 minutes earlier or later it would likely have made a difference on takeoff.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:40 MDT
Nearest AirportLemhi County (0nm)
Runway35
Runway Length5150 ft
Runway Width60 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 172 M
Tail NumberN9912Q
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorScott Patrick
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320 · Reciprocating · 150
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 23 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind190° @ 7 kt
Visibility9 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point46
Altimeter29.88 inHg
Observation Time21:35
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data