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 5, 2026 · Cassutt IIIM Racer · N45889

Odessa, TX

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 5, 2026
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury)
Location
Odessa, TX
Aircraft
Cassutt IIIM Racer (1978)
Tail Number
N45889
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN26LA244

The purpose of the flight was for the pilot to familiarize himself with the experimental air racing airplane after the airplane had been in storage, and the pilot had not flown the airplane in over two years. The airplane was assembled by the air racing team, all the flight controls were checked, and the engine was run up. The pilot insisted on flying the airplane, even though the airplane maintenance records were not completed. The pilot had intended on staying in the airport traffic pattern. During the initial climb, witnesses reported the airplane’s critical angle of attack was exceeded, and the airplane entered an aerodynamic stall at a low altitude. The airplane impacted a flat field with vegetation, on airport property. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and to both wings. The pilot, who was wearing an airplane flight helmet, was unable to recall all the accident sequence details due to sustained serious injuries. The pilot reported there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe or the engine that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack during the initial climb, which led to an aerodynamic stall and a loss of airplane control at too low of an altitude to recover. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s lack of recent experience in the airplane.

Full Narrative

The purpose of the flight was for the pilot to familiarize himself with the experimental air racing airplane after the airplane had been in storage, and the pilot had not flown the airplane in over two years. The airplane was assembled by the air racing team, all the flight controls were checked, and the engine was run up. The pilot insisted on flying the airplane, even though the airplane maintenance records were not completed. The pilot had intended on staying in the airport traffic pattern. During the initial climb, witnesses reported the airplane’s critical angle of attack was exceeded, and the airplane entered an aerodynamic stall at a low altitude. The airplane impacted a flat field with vegetation, on airport property. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and to both wings. The pilot, who was wearing an airplane flight helmet, was unable to recall all the accident sequence details due to sustained serious injuries. The pilot reported there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe or the engine that would have precluded normal operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:14 CDT
Nearest AirportOdessa-Schlemeyer Fld (0nm NNE)
Runway02/2
Runway Length5703 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCassutt IIIM Racer
Tail NumberN45889
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental Motors · O-200 · Reciprocating · 95
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 37 · First Class · Serious

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind200° @ 7 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point64 F
Altimeter30.13 inHg
Observation Time10:00
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data