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

June 16, 2019 · Piper PA18 135 · N2765A

Fairbanks, AK

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 16, 2019
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Fairbanks, AK
Aircraft
Piper PA18 135 (1952)
Tail Number
N2765A
Operator
Proflite of Alaska
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA19CA348

The flight school owner reported that, while the pilot receiving instruction was taking off from a lake, the airplane accelerated onto the step and that, just before liftoff but with the airplane still below takeoff speed, he attempted to abruptly rotate the airplane out of the water. The float's heels impacted the water, which reduced the airspeed. The flight instructor took control of the airplane and put it back onto the step. Realizing that there was insufficient water remaining to make a successful takeoff, the instructor retarded the throttle and aborted the takeoff. The airplane exited the water onto wet grass, and the right wing impacted the ground, which resulted in substantial damage to the wing. The owner reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot receiving instruction's premature pitch control input during takeoff, which resulted in an aborted takeoff and subsequent impact with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor's delayed remedial action.

Full Narrative

The flight instructor of the float equipped airplane reported that the pilot rated student completed a confined landing on a slough with minimal instructor corrections. During takeoff from the lake, the airplane accelerated onto the step, and just prior to lift off, but still below takeoff speed, the student abruptly attempted to rotate the airplane out of the water. The heels of the floats dug into the water which reduced the airspeed. The instructor took control of the airplane and put it back onto the step. Realizing that there was insufficient water remaining, the takeoff was aborted. The airplane exited the water onto wet grass and the airplane's right wing impacted the ground. The airplane 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.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:30 AKDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA18 135
Tail NumberN2765A
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorProflite of Alaska
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-290 SERIES · Reciprocating · 150
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 54 · First Class · None
Crew 2Age 42 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point52
Altimeter29.67 inHg
Observation Time22:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data