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
May 28, 1990 · Cessna 172E · N3888S
Glendale, AZ
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 28, 1990
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Glendale, AZ
Aircraft
Cessna 172E
Tail Number
N3888S
Operator
Fant Elvin T Sr
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX90LA198
AFTER OBSERVING THAT THE RIGHT FUEL GAUGE INDICATED EMPTY AND THE LEFT FUEL GAUGE INDICATED ONE QUARTER FULL, THE PILOT TOOK OFF FOR A SHORT FLIGHT TO HIS DESTINATION AIRPORT. AS HE NEARED HIS DESTINATION THE ENGINE FAILED AND HE ENTERED A FORCED LANDING TO A ROAD IN THE AREA. THE AIRCRAFT STALLED DURING THE LANDING FLARE AND COLLIDED WITH THE GROUND. AN EXAMINATION OF THE FUEL SYSTEM AFTER THE ACCIDENT DISCLOSED ONE INCH OF FUEL IN EACH TANK AND NO EVIDENCE OF RUPTURES IN THE SYSTEM.
NTSB Probable Cause
FUEL EXHAUSTION. RESULTING FROM THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO PERFORM REFUELING.
Full Narrative
AFTER OBSERVING THAT THE RIGHT FUEL GAUGE INDICATED EMPTY AND THE LEFT FUEL GAUGE INDICATED ONE QUARTER FULL, THE PILOT TOOK OFF FOR A SHORT FLIGHT TO HIS DESTINATION AIRPORT. AS HE NEARED HIS DESTINATION THE ENGINE FAILED AND HE ENTERED A FORCED LANDING TO A ROAD IN THE AREA. THE AIRCRAFT STALLED DURING THE LANDING FLARE AND COLLIDED WITH THE GROUND. AN EXAMINATION OF THE FUEL SYSTEM AFTER THE ACCIDENT DISCLOSED ONE INCH OF FUEL IN EACH TANK AND NO EVIDENCE OF RUPTURES IN THE SYSTEM.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:58 MST
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftCessna 172E
Tail NumberN3888S
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorFant Elvin T Sr
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · O300D · Reciprocating · 145
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 46 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility30 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO