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

December 25, 2009 · Beech B35 · N8828A

Santa Fe, NM

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 25, 2009
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Santa Fe, NM
Aircraft
Beech B35
Tail Number
N8828A
Operator
Cherwink David Lee Dba
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN10LA083

During a departure on a cross-country flight the private pilot noticed an oily smoke entering the airplane's cockpit. As the smoke began to accumulate, the pilot's vision was obscured. The pilot landed on the only runway he could see through the smoke. The airplane touched down with the left wing low and the airplane departed the side of the runway. An overpressure condition in the engine's crankcase resulted in oil being driven out of the crankcase and onto the exhaust system. Smoke entered the cockpit through the heater duct system and gaps in the firewall.

NTSB Probable Cause

An engine overpressure condition that resulted in oil getting on the exhaust and producing smoke which entered the cockpit. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's obscured vision due to smoke.

Full Narrative

On December 25, 2009, approximately 0930 mountain standard time, a Beech B35, N8828A, was substantially damaged upon impact with terrain during an emergency landing at the Santa Fe Municipal Airport (KSAF), Santa Fe, New Mexico. The private pilot and one passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The flight was originating at the time of the accident. According to statements provided by the pilot, while departing KSAF on runway 33, smoke began to enter the cockpit. The pilot stated that he could not see clearly in front of him and elected to land on the nearest visible runway which was runway 02. While landing on runway 02, the airplane touched down with the left wing low and departed the side of the runway. An on-site examination of the airplane was not conducted prior to the airplane being transported to the pilot's hangar The pilot stated that an overpressure in the crankcase resulted in oil being driven onto the exhaust system. The resulting smoke entered the cockpit through the heater duct system and gaps in the firewall. The pilot had the heater duct fully open to compensate for the ambient temperature. Furthermore, the smoke was described by the pilot as an oil-based smoke. The pilot noted that the smoke reduced considerably when less engine power was applied. No other anomalies were reported with the airplane or engine.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:30 MST
Nearest AirportSanta Fe Municipal Airport (0nm)
Runway02
Runway Length8342 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledUnknown
Aircraft FireUnknown
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBeech B35
Tail NumberN8828A
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorCherwink David Lee Dba
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsCont Motor · E-185-8 · Reciprocating · 205
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 53 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind350° @ 9 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point21 C / 7 C
Altimeter29.89 inHg
Observation Time16:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data