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

December 31, 2019 · Piper PA28R 180 · N3849T

Onaga, KS

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 31, 2019
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (4 uninjured)
Location
Onaga, KS
Aircraft
Piper PA28R 180 (1967)
Tail Number
N3849T
Operator
Express Flight
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN20CA052

The pilot was attempting to depart from a 2,200-ft-long turf runway with three passengers onboard. After the airplane lifted off the ground, the pilot noted that it was not accelerating, and it settled back to the ground. Concerned with clearing a shed off the end of the runway, the pilot aborted the takeoff. Subsequently, the airplane departed the runway into a valley. Both wings sustained substantial damage. The takeoff performance chart for the airplane, which weighed close to its maximum gross weight, indicated a ground roll of 600 ft and a takeoff distance of 1,600 ft to clear a 50-ft obstacle. The chart was based on a dry runway and did not contain a correction for a takeoff from a turf runway, which would require a longer ground roll and takeoff distance. The pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation and that he should not have attempted to takeoff from a short, turf runway.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's improper decision to take off with the airplane at a high gross weight from a short, turf runway, which degraded its climb performance and led to a delayed aborted takeoff, a runway excursion, and impact with terrain.

Full Narrative

The private pilot and three passengers were attempting to depart from a 2,200 ft long turf runway. After lifting off the ground, the pilot observed the airplane not accelerating and it settled back to the ground. Concerned with clearing a shed off the end of the runway, the pilot aborted the takeoff and the airplane departed the runway into a valley, damaging both wings. The takeoff performance chart for the airplane, which weighed close to its maximum gross weight, predicted a ground roll of 600 ft and a takeoff distance of 1,600 ft. The chart was based on a dry runway and did not contain a correction for turf conditions. Following the accident, the pilot stated there were no mechanical issues with the airplane and that he should not have attempted to takeoff on the short turf runway.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:30 CST
Nearest AirportCharles E Grutzmacher Muni (0nm NNE)
Runway36
Runway Length2200 ft
Runway Width61 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA28R 180
Tail NumberN3849T
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorExpress Flight
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-360 · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (4 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured4
Total4
Crew 1Age 55 · Third Class · None
Crew 2None
Crew 3None
Crew 4None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind280° @ 9 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point39 C / 21 C
Altimeter30.07 inHg
Observation Time17:52
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data