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
June 9, 1990 · Piper PA-32 · N4257T
Bethel, AK
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 9, 1990
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 fatality)
Location
Bethel, AK
Aircraft
Piper PA-32
Tail Number
N4257T
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ANC90FA086
IMMEDIATELY AFTER DEPARTURE THE PILOT DECLARED AN EMERGENCY, AND THE AIRCRAFT WAS OBSERVED TURNING RIGHT, BACK TOWARD THE AIRPORT, AND LOSING ALTITUDE. THE AIRCRAFT CRASHED 1/4 MILE SE OF THE DEPARTURE END OF RUNWAY 18. THE ON-SCENE INVESTIGATION SHOWED THAT THE FUEL SELECTOR POSITION APPEARED TO BE OFF OR ON THE LEFT TIP TANK. THERE WAS STILL MOVEMENT ON THE SELECTOR TO THE LEFT, INDICATING IT MAY HAVE BEEN ON THE LEFT TIP TANK.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN AIRSPEED DURING AN EMERGENCY LANDING FOLLOWING AN ENGINE POWER LOSS. THE LOSS OF ENGINE POWER WAS DUE TO AN IMPROPER FUEL SELECTOR POSITION WHICH RESULTED IN FUEL STARVATION. A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR WAS THE PILOT'S DECISION TO TURN AND ATTEMPT TO RETURN TO THE AIRPORT.
Full Narrative
IMMEDIATELY AFTER DEPARTURE THE PILOT DECLARED AN EMERGENCY, AND THE AIRCRAFT WAS OBSERVED TURNING RIGHT, BACK TOWARD THE AIRPORT, AND LOSING ALTITUDE. THE AIRCRAFT CRASHED 1/4 MILE SE OF THE DEPARTURE END OF RUNWAY 18. THE ON-SCENE INVESTIGATION SHOWED THAT THE FUEL SELECTOR POSITION APPEARED TO BE OFF OR ON THE LEFT TIP TANK. THERE WAS STILL MOVEMENT ON THE SELECTOR TO THE LEFT, INDICATING IT MAY HAVE BEEN ON THE LEFT TIP TANK.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:21 AKDT
Nearest AirportBETHEL (0nm N)
Runway18
Runway Length6399 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-32
Tail NumberN4257T
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 135
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-540-K1B5 · Reciprocating · 300
Seats6
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 fatality)
Fatal1
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 37 · Unknown
Conditions
ConditionsIMC
LightDaylight
Wind200° @ 7 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingOvercast 400 ft
Temperature / Dew Point41 C / 37 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time12:21
Weather SourceWFAC