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

July 3, 2014 · Rockwell International 500 S S · N101AA

Willcox, AZ

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 3, 2014
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Willcox, AZ
Aircraft
Rockwell International 500 S S (1974)
Tail Number
N101AA
Operator
American East Airways
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR14TA278

The airplane was being operated as an air-attack coordinator for aerial, forest firefighting activity. The pilot reported that, as the airplane approached the vicinity of the destination airport, he was not able to see any wind indicators due to the low-light conditions at dusk. He contacted a fixed-base operator at the airport and was advised that the wind was light and variable, and, as he continued the approach, he noted that the tetrahedron was indicating a right quartering tailwind of "unknown strength." Following touchdown, the airplane immediately drifted right, which the pilot attributed to a 15-knot right quartering tailwind. Despite his attempts to manipulate the throttle to regain directional control, the airplane veered off the runway surface at an estimated ground speed of about 120 mph. The airplane encountered soft sand, and the pilot was subsequently unable to steer the airplane, which resulted in the left wing colliding with terrain. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s failure to compensate for tailwind conditions and maintain directional control during landing, which resulted in a runway excursion.

Full Narrative

On July 02, 2014, about 1930 mountain standard time, a Rockwell International Aero Commander 500S, veered off the runway and collided with terrain at the Cochise County Airport, Willcox, Arizona. The airplane was being operated as an air-attack coordinator for aerial forest firefighting activity under a "call when needed" contract to the United States Forest Service (USFS) by American East Airways Corp., d.b.a. Houston Air as a public-use flight. The airline transport pilot and crew member were not injured; the airplane sustained substantial damage. The local area flight departed from Willcox about 1745. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a company flight plan had been filed.The pilot stated that as the airplane approached the vicinity of the airport, he was not able to see any wind indicators due to the low-light conditions at dusk. He contacted a fixed base operator (FBO) at the airport and was advised that the wind was light and variable. As he continued the approach, he noted that the tetrahedron was indicating a right quartering tailwind of an unknown strength. As the airplane touched down, the pilot immediately experienced a right drift which he attributed to a 15 knot right quartering tailwind and attempted to correct by applying right throttle. The airplane responded by drifting left and he retarded the right throttle and added left throttle in an attempt to regain directional control. The airplane veered off the runway surface at an estimated ground speed of about 120 mph and encountered soft sand in the area adjacent to the runway. The pilot was unable to steer and the left wing collided with terrain and incurred substantial damage. The pilot stated that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time19:30 MST
Nearest AirportCochise County Airport (0nm)
Runway03
Runway Length6100 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledCvfr
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftRockwell International 500 S S
Tail NumberN101AA
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorAmerican East Airways
Engines2
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-540 · Reciprocating | Lycoming · IO-540 SER · Reciprocating · 0
Seats6

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 68 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDusk
Wind90° @ 15 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point45 C
Altimeter29.94 inHg
Observation Time02:51
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data