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

October 6, 2016 · Piper PA24 260 · N8560P

Hollywood, AL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 6, 2016
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Hollywood, AL
Aircraft
Piper PA24 260 (1964)
Tail Number
N8560P
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA17LA006

The commercial pilot was accomplishing a flight review with his flight instructor seated in the right cockpit seat. Ground operations and the engine run-up were normal. After climbing to 3,000 ft mean sea level, the pilot retarded the throttle and the engine lost total power, with no pressure observed on the fuel pressure gauge. The flight instructor assumed the controls, established best glide speed, and performed a forced landing in a field. After touchdown, the airplane struck an embankment before coming to rest on a dirt road. Examination of the wreckage did not reveal any evidence of a preimpact mechanical malfunction or failure of the engine that would have precluded normal operation. All fuel tanks contained an adequate supply of fuel. However, examination of the fuel tank selector valve revealed that the valve was stuck in the partially closed position, which would have restricted fuel flow to the engine. Moving the tank selector handle did not open the valve.

NTSB Probable Cause

A failure of the fuel tank selector valve in a partially closed position, which resulted in fuel starvation to the engine and a total loss of engine power.

Full Narrative

On October 6, 2016, about 1015 central daylight time, a Piper PA-24-260, N8560P, was substantially damaged following a total loss of engine power and forced landing near Hollywood, Alabama. The commercial pilot and a flight instructor were not injured. The airplane was operated by the pilot under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as an instructional flight. Day, visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time, and no flight plan was filed. The local flight originated from Scottsboro Municipal Airport (4A6), Scottsboro, Alabama, about 1000.The pilot reported that he was accomplishing a flight review and his flight instructor was in the right cockpit seat. Ground operations and the engine run-up were normal. The pilot performed the takeoff and continued on runway heading to 3,000 ft mean sea level. Once level at 3,000 feet, the pilot retarded the throttle to 22-23 inches of manifold pressure. Immediately after retarding the throttle, the engine lost all power. The electric boost pump was turned on; however, the engine did not recover. There was no pressure observed on the fuel pressure gauge. The flight instructor assumed the controls and established best glide speed. A field was chosen for a forced landing and the flight instructor landed the airplane. After touchdown, the airplane struck an embankment before coming to a stop on a dirt road. The pilot and flight instructor exited the airplane and were met by first responders. An inspector with the Federal Aviation Administration responded to the accident site and examined the wreckage. There was structural damage to the wings and the engine firewall. One propeller blade was straight and the other was bent aft. The inspector examined the engine and found no evidence of a mechanical failure or anomaly. Internal engine continuity was confirmed. Compression and suction were observed on all cylinders and valve action was correct. There was an adequate supply of oil in the engine case. All fuel tanks contained an adequate supply of fuel. Examination of the fuel selector valve revealed that the valve was stuck in the partially closed position, restricting fuel flow to the engine. Moving the tank selector handle did not open the valve.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:15 CDT
Nearest AirportScottsboro Municipal (4nm NNE)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA24 260
Tail NumberN8560P
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-540-D4A5 · Reciprocating · 260
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 47 · Third Class · None
Crew 2Age 73 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind80° @ 4 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point57
Altimeter30.17 inHg
Observation Time15:35
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data