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

August 25, 2011 · Cessna 140 · N72688

Monmouth, IL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 25, 2011
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Monmouth, IL
Aircraft
Cessna 140
Tail Number
N72688
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN11LA595

The pilot reported that he was landing the tailwheel-equipped airplane when the airplane's tail inadvertently became airborne during the landing roll and that he was unable to regain control before the airplane nosed over. The airplane came to rest upside down on the runway centerline. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded the normal operation of the airplane. Although the pilot attributed the cause of the accident to his inadvertently landing with a tailwind, a review of historical wind data indicated that the prevailing wind would have resulted in a left crosswind of about 5 knots and a negligible tailwind component.

NTSB Probable Cause

Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-(general)-Incorrect use/operation - C

Full Narrative

On August 25, 2011, at 1245 central daylight time, a Cessna model 140 airplane, N72688, was substantially damaged while landing at Monmouth Municipal Airport (C66), Monmouth, Illinois. The pilot was not injured. The airplane was registered to and operated by the private pilot under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight, which was operated without a flight plan. The local flight departed at 1200. The pilot reported that he was landing the tailwheel-equipped airplane on runway 2 when the accident occurred. The airplane's tail inadvertently became airborne during the landing roll, and he was unable to regain control before the airplane nosed over. The airplane slid for several yards before coming to rest upside down on the runway centerline facing the opposite runway heading. The fuselage, vertical stabilizer, and rudder were substantially damaged during the accident. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded the normal operation of the airplane. The pilot stated that he likely landed with a tailwind. He added that the accident could have been prevented had he determined the wind direction and speed from the airport's wind sock before landing. The nearest aviation weather observation station with recorded historical weather information was at Galesburg Municipal Airport (KGBG), about 10.5 miles east of the accident site, which was equipped with an automated surface observing system (ASOS). At 1235, the KGBG ASOS reported the following weather conditions: wind 330 degrees at 7 knots; visibility 10 miles; sky clear; temperature 28 degrees Celsius; dew point 11 degrees Celsius; altimeter setting 30.04 inches of mercury. A review of historical wind data indicated that the prevailing wind had been from the north-northwest between 4 and 7 knots during the previous four hours.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:45 CDT
Nearest AirportMonmouth Municipal Airport (0nm)
Runway02
Runway Length2899 ft
Runway Width60 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 140
Tail NumberN72688
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · C85-12 · Reciprocating · 85
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 55 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind330° @ 7 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point52
Altimeter30.04 inHg
Observation Time17:35
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data