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

September 25, 2012 · Cessna 175A · N6979E

Spearfish, SD

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 25, 2012
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Spearfish, SD
Aircraft
Cessna 175A
Tail Number
N6979E
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN12CA658

While attempting to land at a private airstrip, the pilot thought the airplane was too fast and too high on the first approach, and he elected to perform a go-around. During the second approach, the airplane encountered a crosswind, and the pilot aborted the landing. He applied takeoff power, lowered the flaps, pitched for a climb, and gained altitude. While maneuvering, the airplane encountered a downdraft and rising terrain. The airplane did not appear to be outclimbing the rising terrain, so the pilot decided to attempt a landing on the terrain. During the landing, the airplane struck a roadway berm, which separated the landing gear. The airplane came to rest upright; the pilot and passenger exited the airplane and noticed a small fire. The pilot attempted to extinguish the fire, but was unsuccessful, and the airplane was consumed by fire. The pilot reported that the airplane did not experience any mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's delayed decision to abandon the landing attempt, which resulted in the airplane colliding with rising terrain.

Full Narrative

While attempting to land at a private airstrip, the pilot felt the airplane was too fast and too high on the first approach and he elected to perform a go-around. During the second approach, the airplane encountered a crosswind and the pilot aborted the landing. He applied takeoff power, lowered the flaps, pitched for a climb, and gained altitude. While maneuvering, the airplane encountered a downdraft. The airplane did not appear to be outclimbing the rising terrain, so the pilot decided to attempt a precautionary landing. During the landing, the airplane struck a roadway berm which separated the landing gear. The airplane came to rest upright. The pilot and passenger exited the airplane and noticed a small fire. The pilot attempted to extinguish the fire, but was unsuccessful, and the airplane was consumed. The pilot reported that the airplane did not experience any mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:30 MDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 175A
Tail NumberN6979E
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsCont Motor · O-470 · Reciprocating · 235
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 62 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind90° @ 20 kt, gusting 20 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point68 F / 0 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data