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 13, 2018 · Page Russell L LONG EZ NO Series · N27RP

Wakefield, VA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 13, 2018
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Wakefield, VA
Aircraft
Page Russell L LONG EZ NO Series (1987)
Tail Number
N27RP
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA18CA215

According to the pilot in the experimental, amateur-built airplane, during takeoff climb about 200 ft above ground level (agl), the airplane's canopy fully opened. The pilot immediately turned downwind and eventually turned final about 200 ft agl. He reported that his vision was impaired by the wind and that he misjudged the airplane's position to the runway. The airplane struck a 10-ft-tall fence that was about 70 ft from the approach end of the runway. The pilot was able to land on the runway, and the airplane skidded to a stop. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and the right wing. The first item in the Before Takeoff checklist stated: Emergency Canopy access door – closed/locked. The last item in the Before Takeoff checklist stated: Canopy – Locked – visually confirm proper latch and safety engagement According to the In-flight Canopy Opening checklist emergency procedure, Should the canopy come fully open 90° in flight immediately grab the canopy/rail handle and pull the canopy down. Be sure to maintain aircraft control. The aircraft is controllable and can be landed safely with the canopy being held down against the fingers. Remember to maintain aircraft control. Do not be so concerned with closing the canopy that you allow the aircraft to fly unnecessarily into the ground. The pilot noted that the accident could have been prevented by not deviating from the Before Takeoff checklist. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s failure to secure the canopy before flight, which resulted in the airplane striking a fence during the approach. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to follow the Before Takeoff checklist and In-flight Canopy Opening checklist emergency procedure.

Full Narrative

According to the pilot in the experimental amateur-build airplane, during takeoff climb about 200ft AGL, the airplane's canopy fully opened. The pilot immediately turned downwind and eventually turned final about 200ft AGL. He reported that his vision was impaired by the wind and he misjudged the airplanes position to the runway. The airplane struck a 10ft high fence that was about 70ft from the approach end of the runway. The pilot was able to land on the runway and the airplane skidded to a stop. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and the right-wing. According to the pilot's Before Takeoff checklist, the first item states: Emergency Canopy access door – closed/locked According to the pilot's Before Takeoff checklist, the last item states: Canopy – Locked -visually confirm proper latch and safety engagement According to the emergency procedure for Inflight Canopy Opening, the pilot's checklist states: Should the canopy come fully open 90° in flight immediately grab the canopy/rail handle and pull the canopy down. Be sure to maintain aircraft control. The aircraft is controllable and can be landed safely with the canopy being held down against the fingers. Remember to maintain aircraft control. Do not be so concerned with closing the canopy that you allow the aircraft to fly unnecessarily into the ground. Per the National Transportation Safety Board Pilot Aircraft Accident Report, the pilot noted that the accident could have prevented by not deviating from the Before Takeoff checklist. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:55 EDT
Nearest AirportWakefield Muni (0nm E)
Runway20
Runway Length4337 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPage Russell L LONG EZ NO Series
Tail NumberN27RP
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-235-L2A · Reciprocating · 118
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 92 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point50
Altimeter30.04 inHg
Observation Time17:54
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data