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

March 18, 2012 · Piper PA-28R-200 · N15764

New Smyrna, FL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 18, 2012
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
New Smyrna, FL
Aircraft
Piper PA-28R-200
Tail Number
N15764
Operator
Flight Training Express
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA12CA242

During a flight to prepare for his initial flight instructor check ride, the commercial pilot performed a 180-degree power-off approach and landing. During the landing, he flared the airplane about 10 feet above the runway. The airplane dropped and landed hard. After taking off again, the pilot attempted to raise the landing gear, but it would not retract completely, so he put the landing gear back down, performed another 180-degree power-off approach, landed, and then taxied to the ramp. After parking, he and the flight instructor who was sitting in the left seat noticed that they could not open the door to exit the airplane because the door handle was broken. After having someone open the door from the outside so that they could exit the airplane, they noticed that the airplane's right wing had been damaged during the hard landing. Postaccident examination revealed that the wing was substantially damaged. During a postaccident interview with the flight instructor, he stated that, during the flight, the commercial pilot was the "full manipulator of the controls" and that "I did not do anything."

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's improper flare, which resulted in a hard landing. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor's inadequate remedial action.

Full Narrative

During a flight to prepare for his initial flight instructor check ride, the commercial pilot performed a 180 degree power-off approach and landing. During the landing, he flared the airplane about 10 feet above the runway. The airplane dropped and landed hard. After taking off again, he attempted to raise the landing gear but it would not retract completely, so he put the landing gear back down, performed the maneuver one more time, and then taxied to the ramp. After parking, he and the flight instructor who was sitting in the left seat noticed that they could not open the door to exit the airplane as the door handle was broken. After having someone open the door from the outside so they could exit the airplane, they noticed that the airplane's right wing had been damaged during the hard landing. Post accident examination by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed that the wing was substantially damaged. During a post accident interview with the flight instructor, he stated that during the flight the commercial pilot was the "full manipulator of the controls" and that "I did not do anything".

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:00 EDT
Nearest AirportMassey Ranch Airpark (0nm)
Runway18
Runway Length3852 ft
Runway Width60 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-28R-200
Tail NumberN15764
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorFlight Training Express
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-360-C1C · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 65 · Third Class · None
Crew 2Age 23 · First Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind140° @ 16 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point59
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data