Overall Trends
Total, fatal, and serious accidents in the selected range.
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
Search everything
Fast key and full-text search with live filters, watches, and precise metadata.
Use quotes for exact phrase matches (for example "fuel selector valve").
Featured 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…
High-signal investigations
Major cases, deep-report coverage, and investigation media across decades of NTSB history.
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 manufacturersAirports
More airportsOperators
More operatorsAbout
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
February 1, 1992 · Aero Mercantil S A Gavilan 358 EL-1 Gavilan 35 · 3500Z
Columbus, MS
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 1, 1992
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Columbus, MS
Aircraft
Aero Mercantil S A Gavilan 358 EL-1 Gavilan 35
Tail Number
3500Z
Operator
Aero Mercantil S A
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
MIA92LA076
WHILE DESCENDING TO LAND, THE ENG QUIT. ATTEMPTS TO RESTART WERE UNSUCCESSFUL. THE ACFT COLLIDED WITH TREES DURING THE LANDING ROLL FOLLOWING THE FORCED LANDING. THE ACFT WAS RECOVERED & TAKEN TO A FACILITY WHERE THE ENG WAS REMOVED FOR EXAMINATION. EXAMINATION OF THE ENGINE REVEALED THAT THE CRANKSHAFT FAILED NEAR THE REAR MAIN BEARING. ALSO, EVIDENCE INDICATES THAT THE REAR MAIN BEARING SPUN IN ITS SUPPORT AND WAS PARTIALLY EXTRUDED INTO THE ACCESSORY SECTION. EXAMINATION OF THE CRANKCASE HALVES ADJACENT TO THE REAR MAIN BEARING INDICATED FRETTING. THE ENG HAD ACCUMULATED 174 HRS SINCE NEW. METALLURGICAL EXAMINATION OF THE CRANKSHAFT REVEALED THAT IT FAILED DUE TO HIGH CYCLE FATIGUE.
NTSB Probable Cause
FATIGUE FAILURE OF THE CRANKSHAFT DUE TO IMPROPER ENGINE ASSEMBLY BY THE MANUFACTURER.
Full Narrative
WHILE DESCENDING TO LAND, THE ENG QUIT. ATTEMPTS TO RESTART WERE UNSUCCESSFUL. THE ACFT COLLIDED WITH TREES DURING THE LANDING ROLL FOLLOWING THE FORCED LANDING. THE ACFT WAS RECOVERED & TAKEN TO A FACILITY WHERE THE ENG WAS REMOVED FOR EXAMINATION. EXAMINATION OF THE ENGINE REVEALED THAT THE CRANKSHAFT FAILED NEAR THE REAR MAIN BEARING. ALSO, EVIDENCE INDICATES THAT THE REAR MAIN BEARING SPUN IN ITS SUPPORT AND WAS PARTIALLY EXTRUDED INTO THE ACCESSORY SECTION. EXAMINATION OF THE CRANKCASE HALVES ADJACENT TO THE REAR MAIN BEARING INDICATED FRETTING. THE ENG HAD ACCUMULATED 174 HRS SINCE NEW. METALLURGICAL EXAMINATION OF THE CRANKSHAFT REVEALED THAT IT FAILED DUE TO HIGH CYCLE FATIGUE.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:29 CST
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftAero Mercantil S A Gavilan 358 EL-1 Gavilan 35
Tail Number3500Z
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorAero Mercantil S A
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · TIO-540-W2A · Reciprocating · 350
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 46 · First Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind350° @ 6 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point61 F / 28 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time20:00
Weather SourceWFAC