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

May 4, 2023 · Cessna 172S · N1674E

Brookings, SD

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 4, 2023
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Brookings, SD
Aircraft
Cessna 172S (2005)
Tail Number
N1674E
Operator
South Dakota State University
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN23LA175

The check instructor reported that during a soft field takeoff for an end-of-course test, the student pilot did not correct for an increasing nose up attitude and struck the tail on the runway surface. The student was then instructed to abort the take-off several times, to which the student did not immediately respond. During the abort, the student pilot lost directional control and the instructor took control of the airplane. However, the instructor reported that he was unable to regain full control before the airplane left the runway surface. The airplane struck a runway sign which resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage.

NTSB Probable Cause

The student pilot’s failure to maintain pitch and directional control during the takeoff roll. Contributing to the accident, was the student pilot’s delay in relinquishing control of the airplane and the instructor's delayed reaction before the loss of directional control.

Full Narrative

The check instructor reported that during a soft field takeoff for an end-of-course test, the student pilot did not correct for an increasing nose up attitude and struck the tail on the runway surface. The student was then instructed to abort the take-off several times, to which the student did not immediately respond. During the abort, the student pilot lost directional control and the instructor took control of the airplane. However, the instructor reported that he was unable to regain full control before the airplane left the runway surface. The airplane struck a runway sign which resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time18:30 CDT
Nearest AirportBrookings Regional (0nm)
Runway12
Runway Length100 ft
Runway Width6000 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 172S
Tail NumberN1674E
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorSouth Dakota State University
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-360-L2A · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 20 · First Class · None
Crew 2Age 24 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind110° @ 6 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 9000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point39 F
Altimeter29.76 inHg
Observation Time17:56
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data