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
December 31, 1992 · Piper PA-18-125 · N3872C
Herald, CA
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 31, 1992
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured, 1 unknown outcome)
Location
Herald, CA
Aircraft
Piper PA-18-125
Tail Number
N3872C
Operator
Randall O Davenport
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX93LA079
THE PILOT TOLD FAA INSPECTORS THAT HE FLEW TO THE ACCIDENT SITE TO VISIT SOME FRIENDS WHO WERE ON A HUNTING TRIP. HE DECIDED TO LAND IN AN OPEN FIELD WHERE HIS FRIENDS WERE LOCATED. ON SHORT FINAL APPROACH THE AIRCRAFT DEVELOPED A HIGH SINK RATE AND COLLIDED WITH THE GROUND. THE MAIN LANDING GEAR SHEARED OFF THE AIRCRAFT AND STRUCK ONE OF THE PEOPLE ON THE GROUND, BREAKING BOTH LEGS AND HIS HIP. THE EXAMINING FAA INSPECTOR REPORTED THAT THE STUDENT PILOT WAS NOT ENDORSED FOR SOLO PRIVILEGES.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN A PROPER DESCENT RATE AND HIS FAILURE TO TAKE TIMELY REMEDIAL ACTION TO CORRECT A HIGH SINK RATE PRIOR TO COLLIDING WITH THE GROUND.
Full Narrative
THE PILOT TOLD FAA INSPECTORS THAT HE FLEW TO THE ACCIDENT SITE TO VISIT SOME FRIENDS WHO WERE ON A HUNTING TRIP. HE DECIDED TO LAND IN AN OPEN FIELD WHERE HIS FRIENDS WERE LOCATED. ON SHORT FINAL APPROACH THE AIRCRAFT DEVELOPED A HIGH SINK RATE AND COLLIDED WITH THE GROUND. THE MAIN LANDING GEAR SHEARED OFF THE AIRCRAFT AND STRUCK ONE OF THE PEOPLE ON THE GROUND, BREAKING BOTH LEGS AND HIS HIP. THE EXAMINING FAA INSPECTOR REPORTED THAT THE STUDENT PILOT WAS NOT ENDORSED FOR SOLO PRIVILEGES.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:40 PST
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-18-125
Tail NumberN3872C
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorRandall O Davenport
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-290-D · Reciprocating · 125
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured, 1 unknown outcome)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total2
Crew 1Age 25 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind130° @ 5 kt
Visibility50 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 20000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point50 / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourceWIT