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

October 13, 2018 · Skystar Kitfox SER 5 Safari Series 5 · N14GX

Monte Vista, CO

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 13, 2018
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Monte Vista, CO
Aircraft
Skystar Kitfox SER 5 Safari Series 5 (1998)
Tail Number
N14GX
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA19CA023

A pilot-rated witness at the airport reported that, during the airplane’s approach, it appeared to be low and fast. The airplane landed hard, bounced about 4 to 5 ft, and then touched back down on the runway. The witness added that it appeared that the pilot tried to increase power to recover, but while the airplane was about 2 ft off the ground, it turned left. The wings then leveled shortly before the airplane aerodynamically stalled and then nosed over into brush. The pilot reported that, while "taxiing," he "over sped" the airplane, and the left main landing gear impacted a berm. Subsequently, the airplane veered left and bounced, the right wing impacted the ground, and the airplane then ground looped and came to rest nose down. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and windscreen. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. An automated weather observation station about 10 miles from the accident site reported that, about 5 minutes before the accident, the wind was from 250° at 14 knots, gusting to 25 knots. The pilot landed the airplane on runway 16.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's improper landing flare in gusting crosswind conditions, which resulted in a hard, bounced landing and his subsequent failure to maintain directional control.

Full Narrative

A pilot rated witness at the accident airport reported that, the wind was 5 mph from the southeast when he observed the accident airplane land. He added that, during the approach, the airplane appeared to be low and fast. The airplane landed hard, bounced about 4 to 5 ft in the air and touched back down on the runway. He added that it appeared that the pilot tried to give the airplane power to recover, but while the airplane was about 2 ft off the ground it was turning to the left. The wings then leveled for a short time before the airplane aerodynamically stalled and nosed over into brush. The pilot reported that while "taxiing", he "over sped" the tailwheel-equipped airplane, and the left main landing gear impacted a berm. Subsequently, the airplane veered left, bounced, the right wing impacted the ground, and the airplane then ground looped and came to rest nosed over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and windscreen. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:00 MDT
Nearest AirportMonte Vista Muni (0nm NNE)
Runway16
Runway Length2300 ft
Runway Width30 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftSkystar Kitfox SER 5 Safari Series 5
Tail NumberN14GX
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · IO-240 · Reciprocating · 125
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 58 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind250° @ 14 kt, gusting 25 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point64 F / 19 C
Altimeter29.80 inHg
Observation Time22:52
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data