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

October 23, 2021 · Cessna 172 S · N1188L

Westhampton Beach, NY

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 23, 2021
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Westhampton Beach, NY
Aircraft
Cessna 172 S (2006)
Tail Number
N1188L
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA22LA029

During a cross-country flight, the engine lost all power when the airplane was at an altitude of 3,000 ft mean sea level; however, the propeller continued to windmill. The pilot diverted toward an airport located about 5 miles west of the airplane’s position. He also attempted to restart the engine but was unsuccessful. During the glide to the diversion airport, the airplane impacted trees just before the intended landing runway and came to rest upright against the airport perimeter fence. Postaccident examination of the engine and its accessories revealed no preimpact mechanical malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation. Additionally, about 35 gallons of fuel were drained after the accident, and fuel remained throughout the fuel system. As a result, the cause of the loss of engine power could not be determined based on the available evidence for this investigation.

NTSB Probable Cause

A total loss of engine power during cruise flight for reasons that could not be determined based on the available evidence.

Full Narrative

On October 23, 2021, about 1334 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 172S, N1188L, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Francis S Gabreski Airport (FOK), Westhampton Beach, New York. The private pilot was not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The pilot, who was conducting a cross-country flight, reported that he heard a “pop” when the airplane was at an altitude of 3,000 ft mean sea level. Afterward, the engine lost all power, but the propeller continued to windmill. The pilot diverted to FOK, which was about 5 miles west of the airplane’s position. He also attempted to restart the engine but was unsuccessful. During the glide to FOK, the airplane impacted trees before reaching runway 24 and came to rest upright against the airport perimeter fence. Postaccident examination of the wreckage revealed substantial damage to the right wing and fuselage. Examination of the engine found that the top spark plugs, once removed, had electrodes that were intact and light gray in color. When the propeller was rotated by hand, crankshaft, camshaft, and valve train continuity were confirmed to the rear accessory section of the engine. Thumb compression was attained on all cylinders, and borescope examination of each cylinder revealed no anomalies. Both magnetos produced spark at all leads when rotated by hand. Additionally, about 35 gallons of fuel were drained after the accident, and fuel remained throughout the fuel system. The examination revealed no preimpact mechanical malfunctions that would have precluded normal engine operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:34 EDT
Nearest AirportFrancis S Gabreski (1nm ENE)
Runway24
Runway Length9002 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 172 S
Tail NumberN1188L
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
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 75 · Basc · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind330° @ 7 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 7500 ft
Temperature / Dew Point59 F / 39 F
Altimeter29.94 inHg
Observation Time13:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data