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

September 3, 1996 · Cessna 207 · N7396U

Kotzebue, AK

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 3, 1996
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Kotzebue, AK
Aircraft
Cessna 207
Tail Number
N7396U
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ANC96LA144

The pilot was flying the airplane at 2,500 feet above sea level. He had seen flocks of geese flying in the area 2 to 3 days earlier; however, he had not seen any that day. While in cruise flight, he heard a thud, and noted that a goose feather came out of the fresh air vent. The pilot then looked out of his windshield and saw damage to the wing of the airplane, where impact with a bird (goose) had occurred. He landed without further incident.

NTSB Probable Cause

an in-flight encouter with bird(s)/geese, which resulted in a bird strike.

Full Narrative

On September 3, 1996, at 0830 Alaska daylight time, a wheel equipped Cessna 207 airplane, N7396U, registered to and operated by Cape Smythe Air Service, Inc., of Barrow, Alaska, experienced a bird strike during cruise flight. The positioning flight, operating under 14 CFR Part 91, departed Point Hope, Alaska, and the destination was Kotzebue, Alaska. A company flight plan was in effect and visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The certificated commercial pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. The airplane received substantial damage to the left wing outboard of the wing strut attach points. The bird strike occurred during straight and level cruise flight at approximately 2,500 feet above mean sea level. The pilot heard a thud, and then a goose feather came out of the fresh air vent. He stated that he had seen flocks of geese flying in the area the previous 2 to 3 days. He did not see any that day. According to the initial interview, right after the bird strike occurred, the pilot stated it happened on September 3, 1996 at 0830 adt. When he submitted the NTSB Form 6120.1/2, the date and time of the occurrence was different. The September 3, 1996, 0830 adt time is correct.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time08:30 AKDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledCvfr
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 207
Tail NumberN7396U
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · IO-520-F · Reciprocating · 300
Seats7

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 31 · First Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point61 F / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data