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

May 29, 2020 · Grumman G164 A · N9716

Maxwell, CA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 29, 2020
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Maxwell, CA
Aircraft
Grumman G164 A (1974)
Tail Number
N9716
Operator
Moller Aviation
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR20CA159

The pilot reported that after loading the airplane with 2000 lbs. of sulfate and topping off with fuel in preparation for the aerial application flight, he began the takeoff roll on the 2,000 ft long airstrip with a tailwind. The pilot realized that he was in trouble and needed more airspeed, so he applied full available power as there was now insufficient runway remaining to abort the takeoff and safely stop. The airplane subsequently collided with a berm at the end of the airstrip and became airborne for a short distance before the pilot forced landed the airplane in a rice field. The airplane nosed over and came to rest inverted. The wings and empennage were substantially damaged. The pilot added that he should have evaluated the weight, wind direction, and density altitude in relation to the performance capability of the airplane. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact failures or malfunctions with the airplane or engine that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's delayed decision to abort the takeoff when the airplane was not attaining sufficient airspeed for takeoff and subsequently departed the end of the runway and collided with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's inadequate preflight preparation and planning and decision to takeoff with a tailwind.

Full Narrative

The pilot reported that after loading the airplane with 2000 lbs. of sulfate and topping off with fuel in preparation for the aerial application flight, he began the takeoff roll on the 2,000 ft long airstrip with a tailwind. The pilot realized that he was in trouble and needed more airspeed, so he applied full available power as there was now insufficient runway remaining to abort the takeoff and safely stop. The airplane subsequently collided with a berm at the end of the airstrip and became airborne for a short distance before the pilot forced landed the airplane in a rice field. The airplane nosed over and came to rest inverted. The wings and empennage were substantially damaged. The pilot added that he should have evaluated the weight, wind direction, and density altitude in relation to the performance capability of the airplane. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact failures or malfunctions with the airplane or engine that would have precluded normal operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:45 PDT
Nearest AirportMOLLER (1nm N)
RunwayN
Runway Length1700 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftGrumman G164 A
Tail NumberN9716
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorMoller Aviation
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsPratt & Whitney · R1340 · Reciprocating · 600
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 36 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind180° @ 15 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter0
Observation Time21:30
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data