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

October 23, 1991 · Mcdonnell Douglas MD369D · N88SE

Beech Grove, IN

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 23, 1991
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (3 uninjured)
Location
Beech Grove, IN
Aircraft
Mcdonnell Douglas MD369D
Tail Number
N88SE
Operator
Miami Valley Services
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI92LA017

THE ACCIDENT HELICOPTER EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF CYCLIC PITCH CONTROL DURING LIFTOFF TO A HOVER AT THE START OF A BUSINESS FLIGHT. THE HELICOPTER PITCHED UP, STRIKING THE TAIL ROTOR INTO THE GROUND AND THEN ROLLED ONTO ITS RIGHT SIDE. THE HELICOPTER SUSTAINED SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE. THE COMMERCIAL PILOT AND TWO PASSENGERS WERE NOT INJURED. ON SCENE INSPECTION OF THE WRECKAGE SHOWED A FLIGHT CONTROL LINKAGE DISCONNECT. THE MISSING BOLT WAS FOUND ON THE GROUND NEXT TO THE HELICOPTER. THE OTHER CONNECTING HARDWARE WAS NOT FOUND. THE PILOT STATED THAT HE DID NOT NOTICE THE MISSING NUT DURING HIS PREFLIGHT INSPECTION.

NTSB Probable Cause

IMPROPER INSTALLATION OF THE FLIGHT CONTROL LINKAGE DURING MAINTENANCE. COMPLACENCY AND INADEQUATE INSPECTION OF THE HELICOPTER BY MAINTENANCE PERSONNEL AND THE PILOT ARE FACTORS IN THE ACCIDENT.

Full Narrative

THE ACCIDENT HELICOPTER EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF CYCLIC PITCH CONTROL DURING LIFTOFF TO A HOVER AT THE START OF A BUSINESS FLIGHT. THE HELICOPTER PITCHED UP, STRIKING THE TAIL ROTOR INTO THE GROUND AND THEN ROLLED ONTO ITS RIGHT SIDE. THE HELICOPTER SUSTAINED SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE. THE COMMERCIAL PILOT AND TWO PASSENGERS WERE NOT INJURED. ON SCENE INSPECTION OF THE WRECKAGE SHOWED A FLIGHT CONTROL LINKAGE DISCONNECT. THE MISSING BOLT WAS FOUND ON THE GROUND NEXT TO THE HELICOPTER. THE OTHER CONNECTING HARDWARE WAS NOT FOUND. THE PILOT STATED THAT HE DID NOT NOTICE THE MISSING NUT DURING HIS PREFLIGHT INSPECTION.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:00 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftMcdonnell Douglas MD369D
Tail NumberN88SE
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorMiami Valley Services
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsAllison · 250-C20B · Turboshaft · 375
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (3 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured3
Total3
Crew 1Age 54 · First Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind190° @ 11 kt
Visibility4 sm
CeilingOvercast 1100 ft
Temperature / Dew Point66 F / 63 F
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time15:51
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data