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

April 22, 2012 · Mays Kitfox LITE 2 · N32122

Cedarville, CA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 22, 2012
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Cedarville, CA
Aircraft
Mays Kitfox LITE 2
Tail Number
N32122
Operator
Stuart Benner
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR12LA182

The pilot, who did not hold a repairman or mechanic certification, reported that he had been replacing the fuel lines. About 1 hour into the flight, the engine lost power, and the pilot initiated a forced landing in a field. During the landing roll, the airplane nosed over. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that the fuel lines were secured with tie wraps. The tie wraps secured the lines in an oval shape, which could introduce air into the fuel system and result in a loss of engine power. No additional mechanical malfunctions or failures were found that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

A loss of engine power during cruise flight due to air in the fuel system. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s incorrect maintenance that did not properly secure the fuel lines.

Full Narrative

On April 22, 2012, at 1400 Pacific daylight time, a Mays Kitfox Lite 2, nosed over following a forced landing near Cedarville, California. The airline transport pilot, who was operating the airplane as a sport pilot and the sole occupant, was not injured. The airplane sustained substantial damage. The pilot was operating the airplane under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The pilot, who did not hold a repairman certificate for the airplane or a mechanic certificate, reported that he had performed maintenance on the fuel system of the airplane, including the replacement of fuel lines. Approximately one hour into the flight, the engine lost power. The pilot force landed the airplane in a field and it nosed over. Approximately 14 gallons of fuel was onboard at the time of the accident. The last conditional inspection on the airplane was completed October 30, 2010. Examination of the airplane by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) representative revealed that the fuel lines were secured with tie wraps. According to a Rotax representative, the tie wraps secured the lines in an oval shape and air can be introduced into the system. No additional mechanical anomalies were identified.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:00 PDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftMays Kitfox LITE 2
Tail NumberN32122
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorStuart Benner
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsRotax · 582 · Reciprocating · 65
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 65 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind10° @ 4 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point36 C
Altimeter30.01 inHg
Observation Time20:55
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data