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

July 4, 2018 · Robert Miles Smith Trike · N11VW

Lewiston, IL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 4, 2018
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Lewiston, IL
Aircraft
Robert Miles Smith Trike (1991)
Tail Number
N11VW
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA18CA397

The pilot reported that, during cruise flight into "wispy clouds," the biplane’s engine started to "run rough" then lost all power. About 800 ft above ground level, he restarted the engine, but it quit again. He attempted to restart the engine multiple times but was unsuccessful, so he selected a gravel road for landing. During the landing, the airplane ground looped into a ditch. The biplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the biplane that would have precluded normal operation. The automated weather observation station located 25 nautical miles away from the accident site reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 170° at 5 knots, visibility 7 statute miles, clouds broken at 4,800 ft above ground level, temperature 77°F, and dew point 75°F. The pilot stated that he did not apply carburetor heat during the accident flight. The atmospheric conditions were conducive to serious icing at glide power settings. It is likely that the engine lost power due to carburetor icing and the pilot’s failure to apply carburetor heat.

NTSB Probable Cause

A total loss of engine power due to the pilot's failure to apply carburetor heat in conditions conducive to carburetor icing and his subsequent failure to maintain directional control during a forced landing.

Full Narrative

The pilot reported that during cruise flight into "wispy clouds," the engine started to "run rough" then lost all power. About 800 ft. agl, he restarted the engine, but it quit again. He attempted to restart the engine multiple times but was unsuccessful, so he selected a gravel road for landing. During the landing, the airplane ground looped into a ditch. The pilot added that he did not apply carburetor heat during the accident flight. The biplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The automated weather observation station located 25 nautical miles away from the accident site reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 170° at 5 knots, visibility of 7 statute miles, clouds broken at 4,800 feet above aerodrome level, temperature at 77°F, and dew point at 75°F. Review of the Federal Aviation Administration Carburetor Icing Chart for the given temperature and dew point revealed that the conditions were conducive to "serious icing (glide power)." (For more information, see Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin CE-09-35 in the public docket.)

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time08:35 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftRobert Miles Smith Trike
Tail NumberN11VW
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · A&C65 SERIES · Reciprocating · 80
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 72 · Third Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind170° @ 5 kt
Visibility7 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 4800 ft
Altimeter30.22 inHg
Observation Time13:35
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data