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

August 19, 2017 · Piper PA 28 161 · N536CA

Mohave, AZ

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 19, 2017
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Mohave, AZ
Aircraft
Piper PA 28 161 (1988)
Tail Number
N536CA
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA17CA503

The pilot reported that, during the approach to the desert airport, the wind had increased to about 15 knots, and it was gusting. He reported that, during landing, "a gust of wind hit me from the opposite direction of flight causing a stall." The airplane stalled about 8 ft above the runway and landed hard. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the engine mounts. The METAR at the nearest airport (7 miles from accident airport) reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 210° at 4 knots. An hour later, the METAR reported that the wind was 10 knots, gusting to 17 knots. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s improper airspeed and pitch control during landing in variable, gusting wind conditions, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and hard landing.

Full Narrative

The pilot reported that during the approach to the desert airport, the wind had increased to about 15kts and gusting. During landing, he reported that, "a gust of wind hit me from the opposite direction of flight causing a stall." The airplane stalled about 8ft above runway 18 and landed hard. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the engine mounts. The METAR at the nearest airport reported that about the time of the accident, the wind was from 210° at 4kts and the temperature was 95°F. The field elevation was 725ft and the density altitude was 3,315ft. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:45 MST
Nearest AirportSun Valley (0nm SSE)
Runway18
Runway Length3700 ft
Runway Width42 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA 28 161
Tail NumberN536CA
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-D3G · Reciprocating · 160
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 70 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind210° @ 4 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point45 C
Altimeter29.87 inHg
Observation Time17:35
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data