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 1, 1991 · Piper PA-24-180 · N5174P
Sandston, VA
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 1, 1991
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 serious injuries)
Location
Sandston, VA
Aircraft
Piper PA-24-180
Tail Number
N5174P
Operator
Michael Kroll
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
BFO92FA011
THE PILOTS DEPARTED WITH FULL FUEL TANKS FOR THEIR FIVE HOUR FLIGHT. THEY WERE GIVEN SEVERAL ALTITUDE CHANGES WHICH AT TIMES, PUT THEM INTO GREATER THAN EXPECTED HEAD WINDS. THEY ALSO WERE GIVEN ONE SIGNIFICANT OFF COURSE VECTOR. LATER IN THE FLIGHT, THEY ELECTED TO STOP SHORT OF THEIR DESTINATION FOR FUEL. DURING THEIR ILS APPROACH IN IMC CONDITIONS. THE AIRCRAFT RAN OUT OF FUEL AND THEY CRASHED INTO A PARTIALLY WOODED AREA.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE LOSS OF ENGINE POWER DUE TO FUEL EXHAUSTION AND THE PILOTS SELECTION OF UNSUITABLE TERRAIN FOR THE FORCE LANDING. A FACTOR WAS THE PILOT'S IMPROPER INFLIGHT DECISION.
Full Narrative
THE PILOTS DEPARTED WITH FULL FUEL TANKS FOR THEIR FIVE HOUR FLIGHT. THEY WERE GIVEN SEVERAL ALTITUDE CHANGES WHICH AT TIMES, PUT THEM INTO GREATER THAN EXPECTED HEAD WINDS. THEY ALSO WERE GIVEN ONE SIGNIFICANT OFF COURSE VECTOR. LATER IN THE FLIGHT, THEY ELECTED TO STOP SHORT OF THEIR DESTINATION FOR FUEL. DURING THEIR ILS APPROACH IN IMC CONDITIONS. THE AIRCRAFT RAN OUT OF FUEL AND THEY CRASHED INTO A PARTIALLY WOODED AREA.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time18:34 EST
Nearest AirportRichmond Int. (6nm SSE)
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-24-180
Tail NumberN5174P
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
OperatorMichael Kroll
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360-A1A · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury Summary2 injuries (2 serious injuries)
Fatal0
Serious2
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 60 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsIMC
LightDark Night
Wind80° @ 6 kt
Visibility5 sm
CeilingOvercast 1700 ft
Temperature / Dew Point59 / 59
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time23:30
Weather SourceWFAC