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

September 28, 2019 · Piper PA28 236 · N8353T

Modesto, CA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 28, 2019
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Modesto, CA
Aircraft
Piper PA28 236 (1981)
Tail Number
N8353T
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
WPR19LA267

The pilot was conducting a cross-country flight when, about 20 minutes from the destination airport, the engine lost partial power. The pilot switched fuel tanks, turned on the fuel pump and carburetor heat, and reduced engine power. The engine subsequently lost total power and the pilot performed a forced landing to a highway. During landing, the right wing impacted a light pole and the airplane nosed over and came to rest inverted. A postimpact fire ensued and consumed a majority of the airplane. Both fuel tanks were breached and thermally damaged. The fuel selector was not located. Examination of the engine revealed no evidence of preimpact mechanical malfunctions or anomalies. Compression was obtained on each cylinder when the engine was rotated by hand at the crankshaft. The carburetor was intact and free of debris. The electric fuel pump was operational. The single-drive magneto was impact damaged, but produced spark at each of the 12 leads. Based on the available information, the reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined.

NTSB Probable Cause

A total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.

Full Narrative

On September 27, 2019, about 1945 Pacific daylight time, a Piper PA-28-236 airplane, N8353T, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Modesto, California. The pilot was not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The pilot reported that he departed about 1850 and was about 20 minutes from his destination at 5,500 ft mean sea level when he experienced a momentary partial loss of engine power. He switched fuel tanks, turned on the fuel pump and carburetor heat, and reduced engine power. The engine subsequently lost total power and the pilot performed a forced landing to a highway. During landing, the right wing impacted a light pole and the airplane nosed over and came to rest inverted. A postimpact fire ensued and consumed a majority of the airplane. Both fuel tanks were breached and thermally damaged. The fuel selector was not located. Examination of the engine revealed no evidence of preimpact mechanical malfunctions or anomalies. Compression was obtained on each cylinder when the engine was rotated by hand at the crankshaft. The carburetor was intact and free of debris. The electric fuel pump was operational. The single-drive magneto was impact damaged, but produced spark at each of the 12 leads.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time19:45 PDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA28 236
Tail NumberN8353T
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
Operating RulePart 91

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 59 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightNight
Wind330° @ 9 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point55
Altimeter29.75 inHg
Observation Time01:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data