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

May 26, 2017 · Johnson Glastar · N4579J

Concord, CA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 26, 2017
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Concord, CA
Aircraft
Johnson Glastar (2012)
Tail Number
N4579J
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR17LA110

The student pilot reported that the purpose of the flight was to practice landings. The takeoff was uneventful, but when the airplane was on the base leg, the engine suddenly quit without warning or making any abnormal noises. The pilot attempted to restart the engine several times without success. He initiated a forced landing onto a roadway, during which the left wing impacted a light pole. The nosewheel collapsed, and the airplane then crossed an intersection and slid to a rest. Postaccident engine examination revealed that the carburetor was fracture-separated at the attachment flange, and the air box exhibited heavy impact damage. The carburetor was disassembled, and the needle valve and floats were observed stuck in the "up" position. Slight force was applied to the float assembly, and it moved freely. No contaminants or obvious bends in the float system were found. Although a stuck needle valve can restrict fuel from entering the carburetor bowl and lead to a loss of engine failure, impact damage precluded a determination of whether the needle was stuck before the accident or during the impact sequence. No other mechanical anomalies were found with the engine that would have precluded normal operation; therefore, the reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined.

NTSB Probable Cause

A total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined based on the available evidence.

Full Narrative

On May 26, 2017, about 1445 Pacific daylight time, a Johnson Glastar airplane, N4579J, experienced a total loss of engine power while in the traffic pattern for Buchanan Field Airport (CCR), Concord, California. The student pilot, sole occupant, sustained minor injuries, and the airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings. The airplane was registered to, and operated by, the pilot as a 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the local flight. The flight originated from CCR about 1443. The pilot reported that the purpose of the flight was to practice landings. The pilot took off uneventfully and flew the traffic pattern. When on the base leg, the engine suddenly quit without warning or any abnormal noises. He attempted to restart the engine several times, but to no avail. The pilot initiated a forced landing onto a roadway; during landing, the airplane's left wing impacted a light pole. The airplane traversed across an intersection when the nosewheel collapsed and the airplane slid to a rest. During a postaccident engine examination, the spark plugs were removed and exhibited normal operating signatures when compared to the Champion "check-a-plug" chart. The engine was boroscoped and no internal abnormalities were noted. The engine was rotated by hand and continuity was established all the way through to the accessory section. Thumb compression was established on all cylinders, and the valves moved freely and evenly. The magnetos were operationally tested and both produced spark. Air was blown through the fuel lines and they were clear of debris. The carburetor was fracture separated at the attachment flange and the air box sustained heavy damage. The carburetor was removed and disassembled; the fuel screen was clear of debris, and the carburetor bowl was empty. It was noted that the needle valve and floats were stuck in the up position. Slight force was applied to the float assembly and it moved freely; there were no contaminates or obvious bends in the float system.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:45 PDT
Nearest AirportBuchanan Field Airport (1nm S)
Runway19R
Runway Length5001 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftJohnson Glastar
Tail NumberN4579J
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320 · Reciprocating · 150
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 53 · Third Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind260° @ 14 kt, gusting 19 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 3900 ft
Temperature / Dew Point68 F / 50
Altimeter29.97 inHg
Observation Time21:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data