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 19, 2014 · Rockwell International 114 · N4890W

Sturgis, MI

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 19, 2014
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Sturgis, MI
Aircraft
Rockwell International 114 (1977)
Tail Number
N4890W
Operator
Murphy Patrick M
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN14LA210

The pilot reported that, due to a right crosswind, he applied full left rudder and right aileron during the approach for landing. When the nose landing gear touched down on the runway, the airplane immediately veered to the left. The pilot applied full right rudder and right brake to no effect. The airplane veered off the runway and the nose gear hit a hole, which resulted in the right wing impacting the terrain. The examination of the nose landing gear steering system revealed that one of the pulleys on the right side of the nose landing gear was cracked and would not turn. Further examination revealed that it was possible for the steering cable to bind in the crack of the pulley and not allow the nose gear to move.

NTSB Probable Cause

Aircraft-Aircraft systems-Landing gear system-Landing gear steering system-Fatigue/wear/corrosion - C

Full Narrative

On April 19, 2014, about 1500 eastern daylight time, a Rockwell International 114, N4890W, sustained substantial damage when it veered off the left side of Runway 06 while landing at the Kirsch Municipal Airport (IRS), Sturgis, Michigan. The pilot and one passenger were not injured. The airplane was registered to and operated by the pilot under the provisions of the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight, which was not operating on a flight plan. The airplane departed from the Fulton County Airport (RCR), Rochester, Indiana, about 1430. The pilot reported that he applied full left rudder and right aileron during the approach for landing due to a right crosswind. He reported that the winds were steady below 400 feet above ground level from 100 degrees at 8 knots. When the nose landing gear touched down on the runway, the airplane immediately veered to the left. He applied full right rudder and right brake, but without effect. The airplane veered off the runway and the nose gear hit a hole, which resulted in the right wing impacting the terrain and sustaining substantial damage. The examination of the nose landing gear steering system revealed that one of the pulleys on the right side of the nose landing gear was cracked and would not turn. Further examination revealed that it was possible for the steering cable to bind in the crack of the pulley and not allow the nose gear to move.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:00 EDT
Nearest AirportKirsch Municipal Airport (0nm N)
Runway06
Runway Length3601 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftRockwell International 114
Tail NumberN4890W
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorMurphy Patrick M
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-540-T4B5D · Reciprocating · 260
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 65 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind100° @ 6 kt, gusting 9 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point59 / 32 C
Altimeter30.35 inHg
Observation Time18:55
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data