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

April 17, 2010 · Stinson 108-2 · N988D

Dexter, MO

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 17, 2010
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Dexter, MO
Aircraft
Stinson 108-2
Tail Number
N988D
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN10CA214

The pilot reported that he flew the airplane earlier on the same day as the accident on a 75 mile flight. The pilot stated that before the return flight, he performed a preflight inspection of the airplane including taking fuel samples to check for water or contaminants. None were found. The pilot further stated that he performed engine pre-takeoff checks including magneto and carburetor heat checks prior to departure. The airplane took off and climbed to 3,000 feet. After about 5 minutes the engine began running rough and he switched fuel tanks and applied carburetor heat. No improvement in engine operation was noted. The pilot then turned the airplane toward terrain more suitable for landing. The engine stopped making power and the pilot executed a forced landing. During the landing, he applied brakes with the yoke fully aft and the airplane's tail would raise. He released the brakes to allow the tail to lower. The pilot repeatedly applied and released the brakes attempting to stop the airplane, but the airplane nosed over and came to rest on its top. Examination of the engine after the accident revealed that the aluminum intake tubing had split outward and was fully compromised. The engine was examined and spark was produced on all magneto leads and valve action was verified on all cylinders. One cylinder produced little compression when the engine was rotated. All other cylinders produced compression and suction when the engine was rotated. The cylinder with low compression was removed and examined but no defects were found.

NTSB Probable Cause

Not determined-Not determined-(general)-(general)-Unknown/Not determined - C

Full Narrative

The pilot reported that he flew the airplane earlier on the same day as the accident on a 75 mile flight. The pilot stated that before the return flight, he performed a preflight inspection of the airplane including taking fuel samples to check for water or contaminants. None were found. The pilot further stated that he performed engine pre-takeoff checks including magneto and carburetor heat checks prior to departure. The airplane took off and climbed to 3,000 feet. After about 5 minutes the engine began running rough and he switched fuel tanks and applied carburetor heat. No improvement in engine operation was noted. The pilot then turned the airplane toward terrain more suitable for landing. The engine stopped making power and the pilot executed a forced landing. During the landing, the pilot applied brakes with the yoke fully aft and the airplane's tail would raise. The pilot released the brakes to allow the tail to lower. The pilot repeatedly applied and released the brakes attempting to stop the airplane, but the airplane nosed over and came to rest on its top. Examination of the engine after the accident revealed that the aluminum intake tubing had split outward and was fully compromised. The engine was examined and spark was produced on all magneto leads and valve action was verified on all cylinders. One cylinder produced little compression when the engine was rotated. All other cylinders produced compression and suction when the engine was rotated. The cylinder with low compression was removed and examined but no defects were found.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:20 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftStinson 108-2
Tail NumberN988D
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsFranklin · 6A4165 SERIES · Reciprocating · 165
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 60 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind20° @ 8 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point63 F / 43 C
Altimeter30.15 inHg
Observation Time14:53

Appendix: Source Data