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

December 13, 2021 · Mini-Max 1600R Sport NO Series · UNREG

South Bend, IN

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 13, 2021
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
South Bend, IN
Aircraft
Mini-Max 1600R Sport NO Series (2008)
Tail Number
UNREG
Operator
Joseph Michael Krol
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN22LA074

A pilot witness reported that he and the uncertificated accident pilot met at the local airport to fly; they each flew their respective airplanes for about 30 minutes. The pilot witness reported that as the accident airplane headed back to the airport to land, the airplane’s altitude was too low, and it collided with a light pole. According to the local law enforcement and responding Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspectors, the airplane came to rest in a residential area and sustained substantial damage to the wings, fuselage, and empennage. Examination of the airplane did not reveal any preaccident mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. The airplane did not have an airworthiness certificate or registration markings. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported that the pilot did not have an FAA pilot’s license or medical certificate. Law enforcement reported that the pilot smelled of alcohol and a preliminary breath test revealed a 0.114 blood alcohol content (BAC). FAA regulations state a pilot cannot operate a civil aircraft with a BAC of 0.04 or more.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s low-level flight and poor visual lookout which resulted in collision with a light pole on final approach and the pilot’s improper decision to operate an airplane under the influence of alcohol.

Full Narrative

A pilot witness reported that he and the uncertificated accident pilot met at the local airport to fly; they each flew their respective airplanes for about 30 minutes. The pilot witness reported that as the accident airplane headed back to the airport to land, the airplane’s altitude was too low, and it collided with a light pole. According to the local law enforcement and responding Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspectors, the airplane came to rest in a residential area and sustained substantial damage to the wings, fuselage, and empennage. Examination of the airplane and did not reveal any preaccident mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. The airplane did not have an airworthiness certificate or registration markings. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported that the pilot did not have an FAA pilot’s license or medical certificate. Law enforcement reported that the pilot smelled of alcohol and a preliminary breath test revealed a 0.114 blood alcohol content (BAC). FAA regulations state a pilot cannot operate a civil aircraft with a BAC of 0.04 or more.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:40 EST
Nearest AirportChain-O-Lakes (1nm NNW)
Runway15
Runway Length2100 ft
Runway Width125 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftMini-Max 1600R Sport NO Series
Tail NumberUNREG
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorJoseph Michael Krol
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsRotax · 503 · Reciprocating · 40
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 61 · None · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDusk
Wind230° @ 7 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point46 F / 30 F
Altimeter30.24 inHg
Observation Time16:54
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data