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

September 6, 2008 · Robinson R44 II · N144SA

Marathon, FL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 6, 2008
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (4 uninjured)
Location
Marathon, FL
Aircraft
Robinson R44 II
Tail Number
N144SA
Operator
Frezo Financial
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
NYC08CA305

During a personal flight with three passengers onboard, the pilot decided to examine more closely some fish which the occupants spotted from the helicopter while they were about 320 feet above the water. The pilot turned the helicopter to the right 20 degrees and "settled forward into the wind" for hover at approximately 200 feet. The helicopter however, continued to turn to the right and the pilot was unable to arrest the turn. He then "made the call," to set the helicopter down and inflated the floats. Upon touchdown on the surface of the water the helicopter "flipped to the left" and became partially submerged. None of the four occupants were injured. The helicopter received substantial damage to the fuselage and tail boom. Examination of the helicopter by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector did not reveal any preimpact malfunctions. At the time of the accident, the helicopter was close to gross weight, the wind was 080 degrees at 5 knots, and the temperature was 31 degrees Celsius.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to control the helicopter while maneuvering, resulting in loss of tail rotor effectiveness.

Full Narrative

During a personal flight with three passengers onboard, the pilot of the Robinson R44 II decided to examine more closely some fish which the occupants spotted from the helicopter while they were about 320 feet above the water. The pilot turned the helicopter to the right 20 degrees and "settled forward into the wind" for hover at approximately 200 feet. The helicopter however, continued to turn to the right and the pilot was unable to arrest the turn. He then "made the call," to set the helicopter down and inflated the floats. Upon touchdown on the surface of the water the helicopter "flipped to the left" and became partially submerged. None of the four occupants were injured. The helicopter received substantial damage to the fuselage and tail boom. Examination of the helicopter by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector did not reveal any preimpact malfunctions. At the time of the accident, the helicopter was close to gross weight, the wind was 080 degrees at 5 knots, and the temperature was 31 degrees Celsius.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:15 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftRobinson R44 II
Tail NumberN144SA
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorFrezo Financial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-540-AE1A5 · Reciprocating · 205
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (4 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured4
Total4
Crew 1Age 36 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind80° @ 5 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Altimeter29.96 inHg
Observation Time17:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data