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 17, 2012 · Beech A36 · N262EA

Ruleton, KS

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 17, 2012
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (3 uninjured)
Location
Ruleton, KS
Aircraft
Beech A36
Tail Number
N262EA
Operator
21St Century Equipment
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN12LA558

Shortly after leveling off at a cruise altitude of 8,500 feet mean sea level, the pilot noted that the engine rpm increased to above its red line limit (2,700 rpm). The pilot was able to reduce power to 2,500 rpm but was unable to restore thrust and maintain altitude, so he made a forced landing in a nearby wheat field. During postaccident examination, the engine turbocharger controller was found covered with oil. Examination of an elbow fitting on the turbocharger wastegate control revealed that an O-ring was improperly installed and flattened, which allowed oil to seep out. When the O-ring was reseated and the elbow fitting torqued, no seepage was observed.

NTSB Probable Cause

The improper installation of the wastegate controller O-ring, which resulted in a partial loss of engine power.

Full Narrative

On August 17, 2012, about 1345 mountain daylight time, the pilot of a Beech A36, N262EA, made a forced landing in a field near Ruleton, Kansas. The pilot and two passengers were not injured. The airplane was substantially damaged. The airplane was registered to KABAKY, LLC, Rapid City, South Dakota, and operated by 21st Century Equipment, Bridgeport, Nebraska, under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a corporate/executive flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident, and no flight plan had been filed. The local flight originated from Goodland, Kansas (KGLD), approximately 1330. According to the pilot's accident report, there was 9 quarts of oil in the engine crankcase (12 quarts maximum capacity) prior to his departure from Sidney, Nebraska. He arrived in KGLD about 1230. He did not indicate whether he checked the oil. After boarding two passengers, he departed KGLD at 1330, en route to Fort Morgan (KFMM), Colorado. Shortly after leveling off at a cruising altitude of 8,500 feet, the pilot heard engine RPM (revolutions per minute) increase and he noted that the tachometer was at the top of the gauge. The pilot was able to reduce power to 2,500 RPM, but was unable to restore thrust or maintain altitude. He extended the landing gear and made a forced landing in a wheat field near County Roads 74 and 9, about 12 miles northwest of KGLD. Post-accident examination revealed the right wing rear spar was broken. FAA inspectors went to the accident site and reported finding the turbocharger controller covered with oil. After the airplane was recovered to a hangar, they drained 5 quarts of oil from the crankcase. On September 27, 2012, the turbocharger controller was examined by the NTSB at Beegles Aircraft Service in Greeley, Colorado. Oil covered the controller piping. When shop air (35-95 psi) was introduced via the oil pressure inlet hose, the wastegate control valve opened and closed normally. A soapy solution was applied to all fittings. Air bubbles were noted at the elbow fitting of the outlet hose going to the wastegate controller. The outlet fitting was loosened and removed. The O-ring was discovered flattened. It was reseated and the elbow fitting re-torqued. Shop air and a soapy solution were reapplied. No more bubbles were observed. Examination of the airplane’s maintenance records revealed the last annual/100-hour inspection was performed on October 10, 2011. On that date, the engine, turbocharger, controller and wastegate were overhauled. The units were reinstalled on the airplane on November 12, 2011, at a Hobbs meter time of 1,907.6 hours. Routine oil changes followed on February 1, 2012 (1,909.8 hours0, April 26, 2012 (1.962.8 hours), and June 12, 2012 (38.5 hours, after the Hobbs meter was changed on April 26).

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:45 MDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBeech A36
Tail NumberN262EA
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operator21St Century Equipment
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · IO-550-B · Reciprocating · 310
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (3 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured3
Total3
Crew 1Age 34 · First Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind160° @ 9 kt, gusting 19 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point43 C
Altimeter30.12 inHg
Observation Time19:52
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data