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

November 27, 2020 · Cessna 172 S · N53587

Sanford, NC

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 27, 2020
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Sanford, NC
Aircraft
Cessna 172 S (2003)
Tail Number
N53587
Operator
Chapel Hill Flying Club
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA21LA057

The student pilot reported that prior to takeoff, he was aware of a left crosswind of about 5 knots and compensated by applying extra left aileron. During the takeoff roll at about 45 to 50 knots, the airplane started to veer to the left. The pilot stated that the airplane “felt like it had lifted off the ground” in a gradual left roll and he was unable to correct with right aileron or sufficient rudder. Once the airplane departed the runway, he reduced the power and applied the brakes, but the airplane skidded down an embankment and collided with a hill. The impact separated the engine from the mounts and the nose landing gear was sheared off, which caused substantial damage to the fuselage. The pilot reported that he likely had more left aileron than was necessary for the crosswind at the beginning of the takeoff roll, and he did not reduce the control application as the airspeed increased. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures of the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's loss of directional control during takeoff in crosswind conditions, which resulted in a runway excursion and impact with terrain.

Full Narrative

The student pilot reported that prior to takeoff, he was aware of a left crosswind of about 5 knots and compensated by applying extra left aileron. During the takeoff roll about 45 to 50 knots, the airplane started to veer to the left. The pilot stated that the airplane, “felt like it had lifted off the ground” in a gradual left roll and he was unable to correct with right aileron or sufficient rudder. Once the airplane departed the runway, he reduced the power and applied the brakes, but the airplane skidded down an embankment and collided with a hill. The impact separated the engine from the mounts and the nose landing gear was sheared off which caused substantial damage to the fuselage. The pilot reported that he likely had more left aileron than was necessary for the crosswind at the beginning of the takeoff roll, and he did not reduce the control application as the airspeed increased. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures of the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:05 EST
Nearest AirportRaleigh Executive Jetport At S (0nm)
Runway21
Runway Length6501 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 172 S
Tail NumberN53587
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorChapel Hill Flying Club
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-360-L2A · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 57 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind350° @ 5 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 2500 ft
Temperature / Dew Point66 F / 52
Altimeter30.03 inHg
Observation Time13:15
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data