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 17, 2011 · Cessna 152 · N6238P

Carbondale, IL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 17, 2011
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Carbondale, IL
Aircraft
Cessna 152
Tail Number
N6238P
Operator
Southern Illinois University Board of Trustees Dba
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN11CA344

The certified flight instructor (CFI) reported that the student pilot had failed the Private Pilot check ride the previous week and that the accident flight was a flight review for the student. The student pilot performed a go-around on the first landing attempt because the airplane was too high on the final landing approach. On the final leg during the second approach, the airplane was on the proper glideslope and at the appropriate airspeed. The airplane was left of centerline and about 5 feet above the runway when the student pilot initiated the flare. The CFI reported that the student pilot suddenly relinquished the flight controls without warning, and the CFI attempted to salvage the landing. The student pilot reported that he relinquished the controls to the CFI and stated, “Your controls.” The right wing tip contacted the runway, which resulted in substantial damage to two ribs in the outboard section of the wing. The CFI did not recognize that the wing tip struck the runway, so the flight returned to the departure airport. The damage to the wing was discovered during the postflight inspection of the airplane.

NTSB Probable Cause

The student pilot's relinquishing of the flight controls during the landing flare and the flight instructor's delay in taking remedial action.

Full Narrative

The certified flight instructor (CFI) reported that the student pilot had failed the Private Pilot check ride the previous week, and that the accident flight was a flight review for the student pilot. The CFI reported that the student pilot performed the ground reference maneuvers and "lost" procedures within the Private Pilot standards. The student pilot performed a go-around on the first landing attempt because the airplane was too high on final. On the final leg during the second approach, the airplane was on and airspeed. The airplane was left of centerline and about 5 feet above the runway when the student pilot initiated the flare. The CFI reported that the student pilot suddenly relinquished the flight controls without warning, and the CFI attempted to "salvage" the landing. The student pilot reported that he relinquished the controls to the CFI and stated, "Your controls." The right wingtip contacted the runway which resulted in substantial damage to two ribs in the outboard section of the wing. The CFI did not recognize that the wingtip struck the runway, so the flight returned to the departure airport. The damage to the wing was discovered during the postflight inspection of the airplane.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:45 CDT
Nearest AirportPinckneyville-Du Quoin Airport (0nm)
Runway36
Runway Length4000 ft
Runway Width60 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 152
Tail NumberN6238P
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorSouthern Illinois University Board of Trustees Dba
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · 0-235-N2C · Reciprocating · 115
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 25 · First Class · None
Crew 2Age 19 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind350° @ 10 kt, gusting 14 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point57 / 41 C
Altimeter29.92 inHg
Observation Time20:52
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data