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

August 4, 2009 · Destiny XLT · UNREG

Athens, GA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 4, 2009
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 serious injuries)
Location
Athens, GA
Aircraft
Destiny XLT
Tail Number
UNREG
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA09CA445

The unregistered experimental powered parachute, that was being piloted by a non certificated pilot, impacted trees at the edge of a pasture during takeoff in visual meteorological conditions and calm winds. According to the passenger, two previous attempts to take off failed during the takeoff roll due to the parachute "falling over." The pilot then decided to take off in a direction perpendicular to the previous two attempts. The passenger added that they had used this direction several times in the past and typically would clear the treeline at the edge of the pasture by about 55 feet; however, on this attempt, the aircraft was approximately halfway across the pasture before it began to lift off. When it reached the treeline, the aircraft grazed the top of the trees. The parachute collapsed, and the aircraft impacted the ground in a near vertical descent. Examination of the wreckage did not reveal any preimpact failures, and the passenger did not notice any issues with the engine during the takeoff. The pilot was not available for comment. A Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident/ Incident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2) was not received.

NTSB Probable Cause

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

Full Narrative

The unregistered experimental powered parachute, that was being piloted by a non certificated pilot, impacted trees at the edge of a pasture during takeoff in visual meteorological conditions and calm winds. According to the passenger, two previous attempts to takeoff failed during the takeoff roll due to the parachute "falling over." The pilot then decided to take off in a direction perpendicular to the previous two attempts. The passenger added that they had used this direction several times in the past and typically would clear the treeline at the edge of the pasture by about 55 feet; however, on this attempt, the aircraft was approximately halfway across the pasture before it even began to lift off. When it reached the treeline, the aircraft grazed the top of the trees. The parachute collapsed, and the aircraft impacted the ground in a near vertical descent. Examination of the wreckage did not reveal any preimpact failures, and the passenger did not notice any issues with the aircraft engine during the takeoff. The pilot was not available for comment. A Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident/ Incident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2) was not received.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time19:30 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo

Aircraft

AircraftDestiny XLT
Tail NumberUNREG
Aircraft CategoryPpar
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsRotax · 503 · Reciprocating · 50
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (2 serious injuries)
Fatal0
Serious2
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 44 · None · Serious

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility7 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point66 F
Altimeter29.98 inHg
Observation Time23:51
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data