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 18, 2015 · Ercoupe 415 · CFGGS

Saint Martin Island, MI

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 18, 2015
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Saint Martin Island, MI
Aircraft
Ercoupe 415
Tail Number
CFGGS
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN15LA346

The pilot reported that he was conducting a cross-country flight in a single-engine airplane when the engine lost oil pressure. Shortly after, the engine lost power and seized. The pilot then made a forced landing on a beach. Examination of the engine revealed that the No. 1 connecting rod bearing had failed and that the camshaft had seized and was broken. The camshaft seizure was consistent with a loss of oil pressure due to the No. 1 connecting rod bearing failure.

NTSB Probable Cause

The failure of a connecting rod bearing, which resulted in a loss of engine power.

Full Narrative

On July 18, 2015, about 1910 eastern daylight time, an Ercoupe 415 airplane, Canadian registration C-FGGS, lost engine power during cruise flight near Saint Martin Island, Michigan. The airline transport rated pilot was not injured and the airplane was substantially damaged during the forced landing. The airplane was registered to and operated by a private individual under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a cross-country flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time. The airplane departed Newberry, Michigan, at 1800, and was destined for Manitowoc, Wisconsin. According to the pilot, while in cruise flight, the engine lost oil pressure. Shortly after losing oil pressure, the engine lost power and seized. The pilot then selected a beach for the forced landing. During the landing, the nose gear collapsed, and the left wing and fuselage were substantially damaged. The wreckage was recovered for further examination. An engine maintenance facility examined the engine and reported that the number one connecting rod bearing had failed and the camshaft was broken. The facility added that the camshaft seizure was consistent with a loss of oil pressure due to the number one connecting rod bearing failure.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time18:10 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftErcoupe 415
Tail NumberCFGGS
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinential · C85 · Reciprocating

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 70 · First Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind210° @ 25 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Altimeter29.75 inHg
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data