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

April 5, 2021 · Robinson Helicopter R44 · N8348X

Johnson, KS

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 5, 2021
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Johnson, KS
Aircraft
Robinson Helicopter R44 (1997)
Tail Number
N8348X
Operator
Seger Robert E
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN21LA184

The pilot was flying over his wheat fields as the wind was from the south at 10 knots. The pilot transitioned to a hover close to the ground and experienced a sudden unanticipated yaw to the left. The helicopter completed more than one full rotation to the left, then landed hard in the field and sustained substantial damage to the main rotor blades and fuselage. Examination of the helicopter and flight control system did not reveal any preimpact mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. The helicopter manufacturer had previously issued a safety notice for unanticipated yaw, which stated in part, “A pilot's failure to apply proper pedal inputs in response to strong or gusty winds during hover or low-speed flight may result in an unanticipated yaw…To avoid unanticipated yaw, pilots should be aware of conditions (a left crosswind, for example) that may require large or rapid pedal inputs.” Given that the postaccident examination of the helicopter did not reveal any preimpact anomalies and the 10-knot wind at the time of the accident, it is likely that the pilot did not apply adequate pedal input to avoid the loss of yaw control while transitioning to a hover.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's inadequate pedal application during a transition to hover, which resulted in a loss of yaw control and a subsequent impact with terrain.

Full Narrative

On April 5, 2021, at 1700 central daylight time, a Robinson R44 helicopter, N8348X, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Johnson, Kansas. The pilot and one passenger were not injured. The helicopter was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. According to statements provided by the pilot and pilot-rated passenger, they were using the helicopter to check their wheat fields. The wind was from the south at 10 knots. The pilot executed a hover maneuver close to the ground and experienced a sudden unanticipated yaw to the left. The helicopter completed more than one full rotation to the left, then landed hard in the field and rolled onto its left side. The pilot reported that he was not aware of any mechanical malfunctions with the helicopter. The responding Federal Aviation Administration inspector reported that the helicopter sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and main rotor blades. Examination of the helicopter and flight control system did not reveal any preimpact mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. The helicopter manufacturer had previously issued a safety notice for unanticipated yaw, which stated in part: A pilot's failure to apply proper pedal inputs in response to strong or gusty winds during hover or low-speed flight may result in an unanticipated yaw…To avoid unanticipated yaw, pilots should be aware of conditions (a left crosswind, for example) that may require large or rapid pedal inputs.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:00 MDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftRobinson Helicopter R44
Tail NumberN8348X
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorSeger Robert E
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-540 · Reciprocating · 260
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 62 · Third Class · None
Crew 2Age 33 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind170° @ 9 kt
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point19 F
Altimeter29.64 inHg
Observation Time16:56
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data