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 30, 2017 · Piper PA 18-150 · N82563

Chugiak, AK

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 30, 2017
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Chugiak, AK
Aircraft
Piper PA 18-150 (1977)
Tail Number
N82563
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ANC17LA022

The pilot was landing the airplane on a gravel runway when the right main landing gear collapsed; subsequently, both wings struck the ground. A postaccident examination revealed that the outer radius of the attaching lug on the extension tube that connected the wheel axle to the left main landing gear shock unit was fractured at the shock unit attachment. Visual examination of the fractured lug fitting revealed a flat fracture surface that was perpendicular to the long axis of the fitting, which had extensive evidence of rust and pitting throughout the circumference of the fitting.

NTSB Probable Cause

A fracture and collapse of the main landing gear. Contributing to the accident was corrosion to the hydrasorb lug fitting.

Full Narrative

On April 29, 2017, about 1600 Alaska daylight time, a Piper PA-18 airplane, N82563, sustained substantial damage when it was involved in an accident in Chugiak, Alaska. The pilot and one passenger were not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The pilot reported that upon touchdown on a gravel runway, the right main landing gear collapsed. Subsequently, both wings struck the ground, resulting in substantial damage. The main landing gear were equipped with hydrasorb shock units, which consisted of automotive-type oleo struts combined with light shock cords. The hydrasorb’s outboard end was typically connected to the wheel axle by an extension tube, which was attached to the shock unit by a lug fitting and a through bolt. A postaccident examination of the right main landing gear system revealed that the hydrasorb shock unit’s extension tube lug fitting was fractured through the radius where it would typically be bolted to the hydrasorb’s outboard end. Examination of the broken lug fitting revealed a flat fracture perpendicular to the long axis of the fitting. The fracture surface had evidence of extensive rust and pitting throughout the circumference of the fitting.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:00 AKDT
Nearest AirportBirchwood (0nm)
Runway20L
Runway Length2200 ft
Runway Width50 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA 18-150
Tail NumberN82563
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · 0-320 A2A · Reciprocating · 150
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 54 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind260° @ 3 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point52 / 0 C
Altimeter30.10 inHg
Observation Time16:50
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data