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 26, 2009 · Weber Pelican PL · N713DW

Searcy, AR

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 26, 2009
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Searcy, AR
Aircraft
Weber Pelican PL
Tail Number
N713DW
Operator
Billy V Sutterfield
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN09LA551

The pilot took off for a test flight and after climbing approximately 500 feet, and with about 1,000 to 1,500 feet of runway remaining, the engine lost power. The pilot lowered the nose to maintain airspeed and made a forced landing in a field at the end of the runway. Upon touchdown, the landing gear collapsed and the airplane skidded a few feet before coming to a stop. Postaccident examination indicated that the fuel selector was in the "OFF" position; the pilot thought it was in the "ON" position. The design of the selector handle was such that the "tail" of the selector handle was in the "OFF" position. A 180-degree twist of the handle would have placed it in the "ON" position.

NTSB Probable Cause

A total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as a result of the pilot's incorrect positioning of the fuel selector valve.

Full Narrative

On August 26, 2009, approximately 1225 central daylight time, a Weber Pelican PL, N713DW, piloted by a commercial pilot, was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain following a loss of engine power shortly after taking off from Searcy, Arkansas, Municipal Airport (SRC). Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The flight was being conducted under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91 without a flight plan. The pilot, the sole occupant on board, was not injured. The local test flight was originating at the time of the accident. According to the pilot’s accident report, all preflight and pre-takeoff checks were accomplished and he took off on runway 19 for a local test flight. After climbing approximately 500 feet with about 1,000 to 1,500 feet of runway remaining, the engine “missed once” and lost power. He lowered the nose to maintain airspeed and made a forced landing in a field at the end of the runway. Upon touchdown, the landing gear collapsed and the airplane skidded a few feet before coming to a stop. An FAA airworthiness inspector went to the scene and reported finding the fuel selector in the OFF position. He said the pilot thought it was in the ON position. The inspector said the design of the fuel selector handle was poor because the “tail” of the selector handle was in the OFF position. A 180-degree twist of the handle would have placed it in the ON position.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:25 CDT
Nearest AirportSearcy Municipal (0nm)
Runway Length6007 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftWeber Pelican PL
Tail NumberN713DW
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorBilly V Sutterfield
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsRotex · 912 · Reciprocating · 80
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 56 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind150° @ 4 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point64 F
Altimeter30.09 inHg
Observation Time16:56
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data