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

July 10, 2021 · Cessna 421C · N66NC

Longmont, CO

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 10, 2021
Injury Outcomes
4 injuries (4 minor injuries)
Location
Longmont, CO
Aircraft
Cessna 421C (1978)
Tail Number
N66NC
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN21LA315

The pilot reported that he performed the “before starting engine” and “starting engine” checklists and everything was normal before taking off in the twin-engine airplane. He performed an engine runup and then started his takeoff roll. The pilot reported that about halfway down the runway the airplane was not accelerating as fast as it should. He attempted to rotate the airplane; however, “the airplane mushed off the runway.” The airplane settled back onto the runway, then exited the departure end of the runway, where it sustained substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. The airplane engine monitor data indicated the airplane’s engines were operating consistent with each other at takeoff power at the time of the accident. Density altitude at the time of the accident was 7,170 ft and according to performance charts, there was adequate runway for takeoff. The reason for the loss of performance could not be determined.

NTSB Probable Cause

Environmental issues-Conditions/weather/phenomena-Temp/humidity/pressure-High density altitude-Effect on equipment

Full Narrative

On July 10, 2021, about 0845 mountain daylight time, a Cessna 421C airplane, N66NC, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Longmont, Colorado. The pilot and three passengers received minor injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The pilot reported that he performed the “before starting engine” and “starting engine” checklists and everything was normal. He performed an engine runup and then started his takeoff roll. The pilot reported that about halfway down the runway he sensed the airplane was not accelerating as fast as it should. He attempted to rotate; however, “the airplane mushed off the runway.” The airplane settled back onto the runway, then exited off the departure end of the runway. The airplane came to rest upright, and a post-crash fire ensued. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage. The airplane was equipped with a JPI EDM 760 engine monitor. The unit was retrieved from the airplane and the NVM (nonvolatile memory) downloaded. According to the engine manufacturer, the data indicated the airplane’s engines were operating consistent with each other at takeoff power until power was reduced for the rejected takeoff. Referring to the Cessna 421C Pilot’s Operating Handbook, for the conditions at the time of the accident, the airplane’s normal takeoff distance would have been about 2,700 ft to clear a 50 ft obstacle. Density altitude at the time of the accident was 7,170 ft.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time08:45 MDT
Nearest AirportVance Brand Airport (0.5nm WNW)
Runway29
Runway Length4799 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 421C
Tail NumberN66NC
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines2
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · GTSIO-520 · Reciprocating | Continental · GTSIO-520 · Reciprocating
Seats8

People & Injuries

Injury Summary4 injuries (4 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor4
Uninjured0
Total4
Crew 1Age 39 · Second Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind140° @ 3 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point48 F
Altimeter30.31 inHg
Observation Time09:15
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data