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

July 20, 2011 · Cessna 150M · N8576U

Elizabethtown, KY

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 20, 2011
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Elizabethtown, KY
Aircraft
Cessna 150M
Tail Number
N8576U
Operator
Pro Air Enterprises
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA11LA411

The pilot was attempting to pick up a banner when the engine lost power and the airplane stalled. The pilot partially recovered from the stall; however, the left wing struck the ground and the airplane collided with a ditch. The wings and fuselage received substantial damage. A postaccident examination of the airframe and engine revealed no evidence of a mechanical malfunction. At the time of the accident, the airplane was not being operated in conditions conducive to carburetor icing. The reason for the power loss could not be determined.

NTSB Probable Cause

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

Full Narrative

On July 20, 2011, about 1430 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 150M, N8576U, was substantially damaged following a loss of engine power and collision with terrain at Addington Field Airport (EKX), Elizabethtown, Kentucky. The commercial pilot was not injured. The airplane was registered to and operated by Pro Air Enterprises, Inc. under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91, as a banner tow flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The flight was originating at the time of the accident and was destined for Louisville, Kentucky (LOU). The pilot reported the following. Shortly after takeoff, he was attempting to pick up a banner. The engine lost power and the airplane stalled. He made a partial recovery from the stall; however, the left wing struck the ground and the airplane collided with a ditch. An inspector with the Federal Aviation Administration responded to the accident site and examined the wreckage. The left and right wings and the fuselage received structural damage. There was evidence of spilled fuel at the accident site. Fuel was present in the carburetor and gascolator. All spark plugs appeared normal. No visible obstructions in the intake or exhaust except for dirt from the ground impact. Compression was observed an all cylinders when the crankshaft was rotated. Both magnetos produced spark to all leads when rotated. The inspector did not find evidence of an anomaly or failure that would explain the loss of engine power.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:30 CDT
Nearest AirportAddington Field (1nm)
Runway23
Runway Length6001 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 150M
Tail NumberN8576U
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorPro Air Enterprises
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360-A1A · Reciprocating · 180
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 64 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind300° @ 7 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Altimeter29.92 inHg
Observation Time18:55
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data