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

February 4, 2013 · Mccowan Steve A Shttd · N4201S

Montrose, GA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 4, 2013
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Montrose, GA
Aircraft
Mccowan Steve A Shttd
Tail Number
N4201S
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA13LA126

About 15 minutes after takeoff, during cruise flight, the engine's performance began to degrade. Although the flight instructor increased engine power, the engine subsequently lost total power, so he maneuvered the gyroplane for landing in a clearing. During the approach, the main rotor blade impacted power lines. Subsequently, the gyroplane landed hard, rolled over, and came to rest on its right side, which resulted in substantial damage to the rotor system, horizontal stabilizer, and fuselage. Examination of the engine crankcase revealed a hole near the fuel intake system and the separation of the No.2 piston connecting rod.

NTSB Probable Cause

A total loss of engine power during cruise flight due to the separation of the No. 2 piston connecting rod.

Full Narrative

On February 4, 2013, about 0645 eastern standard time, an experimental, amateur-built, SHTTD gyrocopter, N4201S, experienced a total loss of engine power near Montrose, Georgia, after takeoff from the W H 'Bud' Barron Airport (DBN), Dublin, Georgia, about 0630. The pilot subsequently made an off airport forced landing to a field. The certificated flight instructor (CFI)/owner and private pilot sustained minor injuries. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the main rotor blades and the control rods to the rotor mast. The airplane was registered to, and operated by, the CFI under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as an instructional flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan had been filed for the flight destined for the Macon Downtown Airport (MAC), Macon, Georgia. According to the CFI, approximately 5 minutes prior to the accident, during cruise flight, about 2,000 feet above mean sea level, the engine power began to degrade. He increased the power on the engine and subsequently the engine stopped. He assumed control of the gyrocopter and began to maneuver for landing at a radio controlled airplane grass landing area. During the approach, the gyrocopter's main rotor blade impacted powerlines, which severed the control rods to the rotor mast, damaged the rotor blades, and damaged the fiberglass surrounding the cockpit. During the landing, the main landing gear compression strut was damaged, the gyrocopter rolled over, and came to rest on its right side. Initial examination of the engine by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed that the engine could be rotated by hand; however, only through about 30 degrees of arc and then would seize. Photographic documentation of the gyrocopter revealed substantial damage to the main rotor system, horizontal stabilizer, and the fuselage structure. The gyrocopter was equipped with a Subaru EJ 25, 165-hp engine and a Warp Drive, 72-inch propeller. According to maintenance records provided by the owner, the engine had been overhauled approximately 65 flight hours prior to the accident and he had installed it on the gyrocopter on February 16, 2012. During removal of the alternator to facilitate transport to the overhaul facility, a hole was noted in the engine crankcase near the fuel intake system. According to the CFI/owner who was also a mechanic, it appeared that the "No. 2 piston rod had come loose."

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time06:48 EST
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftMccowan Steve A Shttd
Tail NumberN4201S
Aircraft CategoryGyro
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsSuburu · EJ 25 · Reciprocating · 165
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 61 · Second Class · Minor
Crew 2Age 41 · Third Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind300° @ 3 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point34 C / 28 C
Altimeter30.10 inHg
Observation Time12:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data