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

May 29, 2010 · Cessna 140 · N76287

Atchison, KS

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 29, 2010
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Atchison, KS
Aircraft
Cessna 140
Tail Number
N76287
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN10LA281

During takeoff the airplane's engine suddenly lost power. The pilot applied carburetor heat and switched fuel tanks; however, the engine did not restart. The pilot elected to conduct a forced landing along a road. During the forced landing, the airplane sustained structural damage. An examination of the airplane and engine was conducted; however, no abnormalities were found with either the airframe or engine that could account for the loss of engine power. While weather conditions for carburetor icing were noted as “moderate or serious icing - cruise or descent power range” at the time of the accident, the investigation was unable to determine the cause of the power loss.

NTSB Probable Cause

Environmental issues-Conditions/weather/phenomena-Temp/humidity/pressure-Conducive to carburetor icing-Not specified

Full Narrative

On May 29, 2010, about 1030 central daylight time, a single-engine Cessna 140 airplane, N76287, received substantial damage after a forced landing following a loss of engine power shortly after takeoff from the Amelia Earhart Airport (K59), Atchison, Kansas. The commercial rated pilot, sole occupant, was not injured. The airplane was registered to and operated by a private individual. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. In a telephone interview with the pilot, he stated that he had just departed K59, when the engine “just quit.” He stated that he applied carburetor heat, and switched (fuel) tanks, to no avail. He then elected to conduct a force landing on a nearby road. During the hard landing the airplane’s landing gear collapsed, and the airplane impacted and came to rest in a ditch. An examination of the airplane was conducted by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector. The inspector reported that fuel was visible in the left wing fuel tank; however, the amount of fuel in right wing fuel tank could not be verified, due to the way the airplane was sitting without its landing gear. Fuel sumped from each tank appeared clean and free of contaminates. Additionally, fuel was found in the engine’s carburetor. The engine was rotated by hand and continuity thought the engine was verified. Both left and right magneto’s appeared to function properly. A review of the information found on a Carburetor Icing Probability Chart; and given the atmospheric conditions prevailing during take-off, revealed that the airplane was operating within the "moderate or serious icing - cruise or descent power" range. A reason for the loss of engine power was not determined.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:30 CDT
Nearest AirportAmelia Earhart Airport (0nm)
Runway16
Runway Length3000 ft
Runway Width48 ft
Flight Plan FiledUnknown
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 140
Tail NumberN76287
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsCont Motor · C85 SERIES · Reciprocating · 85
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 66 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind149° @ 6 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point55
Altimeter29.93 inHg
Observation Time15:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data