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 20, 2012 · Piper PA-28-140 · N8421R

Indianapolis, IN

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 20, 2012
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Indianapolis, IN
Aircraft
Piper PA-28-140
Tail Number
N8421R
Operator
Skyscrapers Aviation
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN12LA195

During a solo flight, the student pilot completed 3 takeoffs and landings before attempting a soft-field takeoff. He stated that the airplane began to veer left as the nose gear lifted off the runway, which he attempted to correct with an application of right rudder. He noted that he was unable to regain directional control and decided to abort the takeoff; the airplane departed the left side of the runway and impacted a visual approach slope indicator and its associated power-supply box. The student pilot stated that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation of the airplane. Additionally, he noted that the accident could have been prevented had he maintained directional control with an increased input of right rudder in order to counteract the left-turning tendencies experienced during takeoff.

NTSB Probable Cause

Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Directional control-Not attained/maintained - C

Full Narrative

On March 20, 2012, at 1725 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-28-140 airplane, N8421R, was substantially damaged during an aborted takeoff at Eagle Creek Airpark (KEYE), Indianapolis, Indiana. The student pilot was not injured. The airplane was registered to and operated by Skyscrapers Aviation, LLC, under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 without a flight plan. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local flight that departed about 1700. The student pilot reported that he had successfully completed 3 takeoff-and-landings before attempting a soft-field takeoff on runway 21. He stated that the airplane began to veer left as the nose gear lifted off the runway, which he attempted to correct with an application of right rudder. He noted that he was unable to regain directional control and decided to abort the takeoff. The airplane departed the left side of the runway and impacted a visual approach slope indicator and its associated power-supply box during the aborted takeoff. The left wing main spar sustained substantial damage during the accident sequence. The student pilot stated that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation of the airplane. Additionally, he noted that the accident could have been prevented had he maintained directional control with an increased input of right rudder in order to counteract the left-turning tendencies experienced during takeoff. At 1753, the airport's automated surface observing system reported the following weather conditions: wind 160 degrees at 8 knots, gusting 16 knots; visibility 10 miles; sky condition clear, temperature 28 degrees Celsius; dew point 13 degrees Celsius; altimeter setting 30.02 inches of mercury.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:25 EDT
Nearest AirportEagle Creek Airpark (0nm)
Runway21
Runway Length4200 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-28-140
Tail NumberN8421R
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorSkyscrapers Aviation
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-D2A · Reciprocating · 155
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 48 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind160° @ 8 kt, gusting 16 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point55
Altimeter30.02 inHg
Observation Time21:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data