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

March 5, 2017 · Cessna 150J · N60939

Argyle, NY

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 5, 2017
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Location
Argyle, NY
Aircraft
Cessna 150J (1969)
Tail Number
N60939
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA17LA120

The flight instructor and the student pilot departed for a local flight. After performing several takeoffs and landings, they departed the airport area to perform slow flight and stall maneuvers. While recovering from the second stall maneuver, the engine suddenly lost power completely. The flight instructor attempted to troubleshoot and then restart the engine but was unsuccessful. She performed a forced landing to a field and the airplane was substantially damaged when it struck trees. Postaccident examination of the airframe and engine was unable to identify evidence of any mechanical anomalies that would have resulted in the loss of engine power. Additionally, the temperature and dewpoint at the time of the accident were not conducive to the formation of carburetor ice, and the flight instructor stated that they had used carburetor heat during the flight. Based on this evidence, the reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined.

NTSB Probable Cause

A total loss of engine power for undetermined reasons, which resulted in a forced landing and subsequent impact with trees.

Full Narrative

On March 5, 2017, about 1036 eastern standard time, a Cessna 150, N60939, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident in Argyle, New York. The flight instructor and student pilot sustained minor injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 instructional flight. The flight instructor stated that, on the day of the accident, she conducted a preflight inspection and had the airplane fueled. Following an uneventful engine runup, the flight instructor and the student pilot departed. They then performed two touch-and go-landings before leaving the area of the airport and preparing to perform slow flight maneuvers. The flight instructor stated that they used carburetor heat as necessary. They performed a power-off stall, and recovered normally, followed by some slow flight maneuvers and another power-off stall. When the engine power was increased to recover from the maneuver, the engine rpm did not increase, and within a few seconds of applying full power, the engine lost all power and the propeller ceased rotating. After lowering the airplane’s nose and establishing an airspeed of about 65 mph, the flight instructor took control of the airplane. She then checked the mixture and verified that the carburetor heat was on and that engine primer was in and locked. She further attempted to restart the engine with the starter without success. After finding a suitable field, she “slipped” the airplane to land on it. After touching down on an uphill area, the airplane crested the hill and then rolled down the other side and struck trees. According to the student, he was receiving instruction during the accident flight, and the instructor had previously given him lessons a few times. The instructor performed a preflight inspection and then he performed another one himself. Before the flight, they added 6 gallons of fuel to each tank. After he conducted the takeoff, he performed two to three touch-and-go landings and then departed the traffic pattern for the practice area. After reaching the practice area, they performed “slow flight” and power-off stalls twice. After the second power-off stall, the engine lost power. The student added that he told the instructor about the power loss, that “she did the engine failure checklist,” and that “we tried to start the engine” without success. He further stated that they used carburetor heat during the touch-and-go landings, slow flight, and power-off stalls. A postaccident examination of the airframe and engine by a Federal Aviation Administration Inspector revealed that the airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage. The fuel shutoff was in the “on” position, the throttle was full aft, the carburetor heat was full in, and the ignition switch was off. Control continuity was confirmed from the cockpit to the engine for throttle, mixture, and carburetor heat control. Thumb compression was established on all four cylinders, and both magnetos produced spark. The gascolator contained fuel, and the screen was clean and unobstructed. The carburetor was unobstructed, and all of its controls were operative. No intake leaks were observed. About 5 gallons of fuel were recovered from the fuel system. The closest weather reporting facility to the accident site, Floyd Bennett Mamorial Airport (GFL), Glen Falls, New York, was located about 10 nautical miles to the northwest. At 1053, the reported conditions there included a temperature of -08° C and a dew point -19° C. The calculated relative humidity at that temperature and dewpoint was 41%. Review of the icing probability chart contained within Federal Aviation Administration Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin CE-09-35 revealed the atmospheric conditions at the time of the accident were not conducive to the formation of carburetor ice at any power setting.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:36 EST
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 150J
Tail NumberN60939
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · O-200A · Reciprocating · 100
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor2
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 32 · First Class · Minor
Crew 2Age 42 · Third Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind4 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point18 C / -2 C
Altimeter30.68 inHg
Observation Time15:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data