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

June 28, 2013 · Piper PA-24-260 · N856CC

Eagle, CO

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 28, 2013
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 serious injuries)
Location
Eagle, CO
Aircraft
Piper PA-24-260
Tail Number
N856CC
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN13LA362

During the flight, the airplane's engine experienced a loss of power, and the copilot took control of the airplane from the pilot, who had been flying, and directed the pilot to attempt to restart the engine. The airplane descended and impacted terrain short of the runway. The fuel tank selector was found in the left main tank position, but no visible fuel was found in the left main tank. After battery power was applied to the airplane, the engine data monitoring system indicated that the left main tank had 11 gallons of fuel and the right main tank had 8 gallons of fuel. After the fuel floats were moved, the monitoring system indicated that the left main tank had 2 gallons of fuel and that the right main tank had 9.5 gallons of fuel. Regardless of the fuel quantity indications, the pilots should have known how much fuel was in each tank and, based on fuel calculations, known when each tank was going to become empty. Further, the pilot should have switched fuel tanks as part of the engine restart procedures; however, he did not report doing so. Each of the four fuel tank senders were examined and wear and corrosion were found on all of them. When tested with a voltmeter, none of the fuel floats provided consistent electrical signals, which would alter the amount of fuel indicated on the engine monitoring system. Because the selector was positioned to the left main tank, the engine lost power due to fuel starvation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilots’ improper fuel management, which resulted in the loss of engine power due to fuel starvation. Contributing to the accident was worn and corroded fuel senders, which transmitted inaccurate fuel readings to the fuel monitoring system.

Full Narrative

On June 28, 2013, about 1455 mountain daylight time, a Piper PA-24-260 airplane, N856CC, impacted terrain near the Eagle County Regional Airport (KEGE), Eagle, Colorado. The pilots were both seriously injured. The airplane was substantially damaged. The airplane was registered to and operated by a private individual under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight which operated on a visual flight rules flight plan. The flight originated from McClellan-Palomar Airport (KCRQ), Carlsbad, California, about 0915 pacific daylight time and was destined for KEGE. The responding Federal Aviation Administration inspector conducted an on-scene examination of the airplane. The fuel selector was found by first responders in the left main position. Battery power was applied to the airplane and the engine data monitoring (EDM) unit displayed. Left Auxiliary Tank: 0 gallons Left Main Tank: 11 gallons Right Main Tank: 8 gallons Right Auxiliary Tank: 3 gallons Each tank contained a float that was moved and allowed to settle. The EDM displayed lower quantities. During recovery, the tanks were drained. The left auxiliary tank was empty and the left main tank contained 2 gallons. The right main tank contained 9.5 gallons and the right auxiliary tank contained 2.5 gallons. The pilot reported that the co-pilot had borrowed the airplane in order to make the trip. The pilot flew the airplane while the co-pilot monitored their fuel status. While approaching runway 25 at EGE, the engine stopped producing power. The co-pilot took control of the airplane and directed the pilot to attempt a restart of the engine. The airplane descended and impacted terrain. The airplane was moved to a salvage facility and the airplane's fuel tank senders were examined. All four senders displayed signs of age, wear, and corrosion. When tested with a voltmeter, none of the floats registered a consistent electrical signal when actuated through its range of motion.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:55 MDT
Nearest AirportEagle County Rgnl (0nm W)
Runway25
Runway Length9000 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-24-260
Tail NumberN856CC
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · TIO-540 SER · Reciprocating · 310
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (2 serious injuries)
Fatal0
Serious2
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 54 · Third Class · Serious
Crew 2Age 70 · Third Class · Serious

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind260° @ 6 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point34 C
Altimeter30.28 inHg
Observation Time20:50
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data