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 13, 2023 · Aeronca 7DC · N83391

Ninilchik, AK

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 13, 2023
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Ninilchik, AK
Aircraft
Aeronca 7DC (1946)
Tail Number
N83391
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ANC23LA053

While en route during a scenic flight, the pilot noticed the engine was not making enough power for the set power setting and the oil pressure and oil temperature gauges both indicated zero. He started a climb to clear rising terrain when the engine started to vibrate violently and then the engine lost all power. The pilot made a forced landing on to a road and, after touching down, veered to avoid traffic. The airplane impacted a guardrail and nosed over, sustaining substantial damage to the fuselage and wings. A postaccident examination of the engine revealed that the crankshaft’s No. 1 main bearing had spun, smearing metal into the crankcase and blocking the oil port. Numerous fragments of bearing material were found inside the engine. Based on the available information, it is likely that the shift of the No. 1 main bearing resulted in a lack of lubrication and subsequent failure of the engine. The reason for the bearing shift was not determined; the owner was not able to provide maintenance records for the engine.

NTSB Probable Cause

A total loss of engine power due to a shift of a crankshaft main bearing, which resulted in a lack of lubrication and subsequent overheating and failure of the engine crankshaft.

Full Narrative

On July 12, 2023, about 1620 Alaska daylight time, a Aeronca 7DC airplane, N83391 sustained substantial damage when it was involved in an accident near Ninilchik, Alaska. The pilot and passenger were not injured. The airplane was operated by the pilot as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. Pilot reported that he and a friend were on a scenic flight from the Homer Airport (HOM), Homer, Alaska, to the Soldotna Airport (SXQ), Soldotna, Alaska. En route he noticed the engine was not making enough power for the set power setting. At full throttle the engine was only producing about 2,400 rpm. He ran through checklist memory items for loss of engine power, which included applying carburetor heat; however, there was no change in the engine power. The pilot also opened both wing tanks to increase fuel in the header tank, which also resulted in no change. He then noticed the oil pressure gauge and oil temperature gauge both indicated zero. The pilot initiated a climb to clear rising terrain when the engine started to vibrate violently and then lost all power. He initiated a forced landing on to a road and, after touching down, he veered left to avoid cars. The airplane impacted a guardrail and then nosed over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and wings. A postaccident examination of the engine revealed that the crankshaft’s No. 1 main bearing had spun, smearing metal into the crankcase and blocking the oil port. Numerous fragments of bearing material were found inside the case. The owner was not able to provide maintenance records for the engine.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:20 AKDT
Nearest AirportSOLDOTNA (35nm SSW)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftAeronca 7DC
Tail NumberN83391
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · C-85-12 · Reciprocating · 96
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 26 · First Class · None
Crew 2None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind250° @ 9 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 5000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point57 / 54
Altimeter30.16 inHg
Observation Time15:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data