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

January 19, 2018 · Six Chuter Spirit · UNREG

Marana, AZ

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
January 19, 2018
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury), 1 uninjured
Location
Marana, AZ
Aircraft
Six Chuter Spirit (2008)
Tail Number
UNREG
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR18LA071

Two noncertificated pilots were conducting personal, local flights in their powered parachutes, one of which was a Six Chuter Spirit and the other of which was a Destiny XLT. The Six Chuter departed, followed by the Destiny. The Six Chuter pilot reported that, while cruising about 100 ft above ground level, he saw the Destiny on a northerly heading. At this time, he decided to maintain his altitude and heading and follow the Destiny because he was less experienced than the other pilot. However, he then saw the Destiny turn to a westerly heading, which put the Destiny on a direct path toward the Six Chuter. Seconds later, the Destiny impacted the Six Chuter, which then spun 180° and drifted backward while descending until ground impact. The Destiny entered a nose-down attitude and then rapidly descended without its parachute until ground impact. The Destiny pilot reported that he was unable to recall the accident details. A ground witness stated that both aircraft were in straight-and level-flight and that the engines sounded normal before impact. Although the sun was setting at the time of the accident, the investigation could not determine if it obstructed the Destiny pilot's vision or whether it was a factor in the accident. Both pilots reported that they their aircraft did not experience any mechanical anomalies during their flights. Based on the available information, it is likely that both pilots failed to maintain an adequate visual lookout, which resulted in a midair collision.

NTSB Probable Cause

The noncertificated pilots’ failure to maintain an adequate visual lookout, which resulted in a midair collision.

Full Narrative

On January 18, 2018, about 1730 mountain standard time, an unregistered Six Chuter Spirit experimental, light sport powered parachute and an unregistered Destiny XLT experimental, light sport powered parachute were both substantially damaged when they were involved in an accident near Marana, Arizona. The Destiny pilot sustained serious injuries, and the Six Chuter pilot was not injured. Both aircraft were being operated as Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flights. The pilot in the Six Chuter reported that, after being flown as a passenger for a few hours in a powered parachute, he was invited to fly the Six Chuter, which departed first, followed by the Destiny. The Six Chuter pilot added that, while cruising about 100 ft above ground level, he saw the Destiny on a northerly heading. At this time, he decided to maintain his altitude and heading and follow the Destiny because he was less experienced than the other pilot. However, he then saw the Destiny turn to a westerly heading, which put the Destiny on a direct path toward the Six Chuter. Seconds later, the Destiny impacted the Six Chuter, which then spun 180° and drifted backward while descending until ground impact. The Destiny entered a nose-down attitude and rapidly descended to the ground without its parachute. The Destiny pilot reported that he was unable to recall the accident details. A ground witness, who was about 1/2 mile from the accident site, stated that both aircraft were in straight-and level-flight and that the engines sounded normal before impact. The Six Chuter pilot reported that he had received a few hours of flight training in powered parachutes before the accident but that he had not received any formal training toward a private pilot certificate. The witness reported that the pilot of the Destiny had been flying powered parachutes for about 20 years. He did not hold a pilot certificate. According to the United States Naval Observatory Astronomic Applications Department, sunset was at 1744 on the day of the accident.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:30 MST
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftSix Chuter Spirit
Tail NumberUNREG
Aircraft CategoryPpar
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsRotax · 582 · Reciprocating · 65
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury), 1 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total2
Crew 1Age 48 · None · None
Crew 2Age 77 · None · Serious

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDusk
Wind290° @ 5 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point66 F / 21 C
Altimeter30.06 inHg
Observation Time00:35
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data