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

December 11, 1991 · Cessna 152 · N48156

Orford, NH

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 11, 1991
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Orford, NH
Aircraft
Cessna 152
Tail Number
N48156
Operator
David Santamore
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
NYC92LA045

THE STUDENT PILOT INTENDED TO FLY FOR ABOUT 1 HOUR. AFTER PRACTICING STALLS AND TURNS HE DECIDED TO DO VOR TRACKING, WHEN HE GOT LOST AND DISORIENTED. THE PILOT ATTEMPTED TO LOCATE HIS POSITION BY GROUND REFERENCE AND THE USE OF SECTIONAL CHARTS. HE ALSO ATTEMPTED RADIO CONTACT WITH FSS, BUT WAS UNABLE TO MAKE CONTACT. AFTER CLIMBING TO 6000 FEET AND FLYING ABOUT 80 MILES SOUTHEAST OF HIS DEPARTURE AIRPORT HE WAS UNABLE TO MAKE CONTACT. AFTER CLIMBING TO 6000 FEET AND FLYING ABOUT 80 MILES SOUTHEAST OF HIS DEPARTURE AIRPORT HE IDENTIFIED HIS LOCATION. AT THAT POINT, HE ESTIMATED HE WAS 1 HOUR FROM HIS HOME AIRPORT AND HAD ABOUT ONE AND HALF HOURS OF FUEL REMAINING. DURING THE RETURN FLIGHT TO THE HOME AIRPORT AND ABOUT 3 HOURS AND 30 MINUTES AFTER THE FLIGHT BEGAN THE FUEL WAS EXHAUSTED. THE PILOT MADE A FORCED LANDING AND HIT TREES.

NTSB Probable Cause

THE STUDENT PILOT BECAME LOST AND DISORIENTED.

Full Narrative

THE STUDENT PILOT INTENDED TO FLY FOR ABOUT 1 HOUR. AFTER PRACTICING STALLS AND TURNS HE DECIDED TO DO VOR TRACKING, WHEN HE GOT LOST AND DISORIENTED. THE PILOT ATTEMPTED TO LOCATE HIS POSITION BY GROUND REFERENCE AND THE USE OF SECTIONAL CHARTS. HE ALSO ATTEMPTED RADIO CONTACT WITH FSS, BUT WAS UNABLE TO MAKE CONTACT. AFTER CLIMBING TO 6000 FEET AND FLYING ABOUT 80 MILES SOUTHEAST OF HIS DEPARTURE AIRPORT HE WAS UNABLE TO MAKE CONTACT. AFTER CLIMBING TO 6000 FEET AND FLYING ABOUT 80 MILES SOUTHEAST OF HIS DEPARTURE AIRPORT HE IDENTIFIED HIS LOCATION. AT THAT POINT, HE ESTIMATED HE WAS 1 HOUR FROM HIS HOME AIRPORT AND HAD ABOUT ONE AND HALF HOURS OF FUEL REMAINING. DURING THE RETURN FLIGHT TO THE HOME AIRPORT AND ABOUT 3 HOURS AND 30 MINUTES AFTER THE FLIGHT BEGAN THE FUEL WAS EXHAUSTED. THE PILOT MADE A FORCED LANDING AND HIT TREES.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:15 EST
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 152
Tail NumberN48156
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorDavid Santamore
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-235-L2C · Reciprocating · 110
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 39 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind210° @ 20 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point45 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data