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 10, 2017 · Weatherly Aviation 620B Undesignat · N9004M

Lewistown, MT

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 10, 2017
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Lewistown, MT
Aircraft
Weatherly Aviation 620B Undesignat (1995)
Tail Number
N9004M
Operator
Skyline Aviation
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA17CA225

The pilot reported that, during a low-altitude, practice agricultural application flight, he lost depth perception between the snow-covered ground and overcast sky. He added that the airplane impacted the ground and came to rest after sliding about 500 ft. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing and fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The Federal Aviation Administration's pamphlet, "Flying in Flat Light and White Out Conditions," states the following: Flat light is an optical illusion, also known as "sector or partial white out." It is not as severe as "white out" but the condition causes pilots to lose their depth-of-field and contrast in vision. Flat light conditions are usually accompanied by overcast skies inhibiting any good visual clues. Such conditions can occur anywhere in the world, primarily in snow covered areas but can occur in dust, sand, mud flats, or on glassy water. Flat light can completely obscure features of the terrain, creating an inability to distinguish distances and closure rates. As a result of this reflected light, it can give pilots the illusion of ascending or descending when actually flying level. However, with good judgment and proper training and planning, it is possible to safely operate an aircraft in flat light conditions.

NTSB Probable Cause

Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Altitude-Not attained/maintained - C

Full Narrative

The pilot reported that during a low altitude, practice aerial application flight, he lost depth perception between the snow-covered ground and overcast sky. He added that the airplane impacted the ground, and came to rest after sliding about 500 ft. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing and fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. Federal Aviation Administration's pamphlet, "Flying in Flat Light and White Out Conditions", which states: Flat light is an optical illusion, also known as "sector or partial white out." It is not as severe as "white out" but the condition causes pilots to lose their depth-of-field and contrast in vision. Flat light conditions are usually accompanied by overcast skies inhibiting any good visual clues. Such conditions can occur anywhere in the world, primarily in snow covered areas but can occur in dust, sand, mud flats, or on glassy water. Flat light can completely obscure features of the terrain, creating an inability to distinguish distances and closure rates. As a result of this reflected light, it can give pilots the illusion of ascending or descending when actually flying level. However, with good judgment and proper training and planning, it is possible to safely operate an aircraft in flat light conditions.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:00 MDT
Nearest AirportLewistown Muni (1nm S)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftWeatherly Aviation 620B Undesignat
Tail NumberN9004M
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorSkyline Aviation
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsP&W · R-985/AN14B · Reciprocating · 450
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 51 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind220° @ 13 kt, gusting 26 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 8000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point39 C / 27 C
Altimeter29.95 inHg
Observation Time22:54
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data