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 22, 2019 · Waco YMF-5C NO Series · N63WC

Bar Harbor, ME

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 22, 2019
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (3 uninjured)
Location
Bar Harbor, ME
Aircraft
Waco YMF-5C NO Series (1997)
Tail Number
N63WC
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN19LA204

About 15 minutes into the air tour flight, the pilot heard a loud “crack/bang” from the front of the airplane, followed by a total loss of engine power. The pilot performed a forced landing to wet, marshy terrain, during which the left wing impacted a tree and the airplane nosed over and came to rest inverted, resulting in substantial damage to the wings. One of the radial engine’s cylinders was fractured at the barrel head joint, which resulted in the loss of engine power. The airplane was operated without engine cowling installed. According to the airplane’s owner, the cowling assists with engine cooling in vintage radial engines. The airplane was not examined after the accident and the reason for the cylinder failure was not determined.

NTSB Probable Cause

Environmental issues-Physical environment-Terrain-Wet/muddy terrain-Contributed to outcome

Full Narrative

On June 22, 2019, about 1030 eastern daylight time, a Waco YMF airplane, N63WC, sustained substantial damage when it was involved in an accident near Bar Harbor, Maine. The pilot and two passengers sustained minor injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 air tour flight. The flight departed for a 25-minute sightseeing tour of Acadia National Park. The pilot reported that the flight was normal until he heard a loud "crack/bang" from the front of the airplane, followed by a steady noise for about 10 seconds that sounded "similar to a helicopter," and the propeller subsequently stopped turning. The pilot conducted a forced landing to wet, marshy terrain, during which the left wing impacted a tree and the airplane nosed over and came to rest inverted, resulting in substantial damage to the upper and lower wings. The airplane owner reported that one of the engine cylinders was fractured at the barrel head joint. The airplane was operated without engine cowling installed. According to the airplane’s owner, the cowling assists with engine cooling in vintage radial engines.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:30 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftWaco YMF-5C NO Series
Tail NumberN63WC
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsJacobs · R755A2 · Reciprocating · 300
Seats3

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (3 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured3
Total3
Crew 1Age 23 · First Class · Minor
Crew 2Minor
Crew 3Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind100° @ 8 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point68 F / 54 F
Altimeter29.65 inHg
Observation Time09:56

Appendix: Source Data