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

January 5, 2009 · Cessna 152 · N45969

Long Beach, CA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
January 5, 2009
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Long Beach, CA
Aircraft
Cessna 152
Tail Number
N45969
Operator
Temco Sky Network
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
WPR09CA073

At rotation during the takeoff roll, the airplane veered off the runway, crossed a taxiway, struck a parked helicopter, and impacted cement pilings before erupting in flames. The student pilot reported that he attempted to correct back to the runway with right aileron and rudder, and when the airplane continued off the runway, he tried to close the throttle and stop the airplane. A ground witness reported that the engine noise increased as the airplane came toward the helicopter as if the pilot were attempting to take off. The airplane was destroyed by the ground fire and no meaningful examinations could be made of the control system or the brakes.

NTSB Probable Cause

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

Full Narrative

According to the student pilot he was going on his first solo cross-country flight. He performed a preflight with no problems noted with the airplane. He taxied to the active runway, and prepared to takeoff. As the airplane reached rotation speed, it suddenly veered to the left. He added right aileron and rudder. He tried to close the throttle and stop the airplane, but he could not maintain control of the airplane. He pulled the mixture and carburetor heat and applied the brakes. The airplane continued off the left of the runway and crossed over a taxiway before it struck a helicopter and came to rest in the cement pilings next to a hangar. A fire erupted at the engine. He reached back to get the fire extinguisher and when he looked back, he saw that his socks were burning and he exited the airplane. According to a witness, he saw the airplane coming at him on the taxiway after departing the runway. The airplane was at a high rate of speed, and the engine noise increased as if the pilot was attempting to takeoff. It then hit a helicopter and guard post where it caught fire.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:42 PST
Nearest AirportLong Beach-Daughtery Field Air (0nm)
Runway25L
Runway Length5423 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 152
Tail NumberN45969
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
OperatorTemco Sky Network
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-235-L2C · Reciprocating · 110
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 35 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind150° @ 6 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point68 F / 0 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time04:00
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data