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

July 2, 1990 · Cessna 185 · N185KA

Iliamna, AK

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 2, 1990
Injury Outcomes
4 injuries (2 fatalities, 1 serious injury, 1 minor injury), 2 uninjured
Location
Iliamna, AK
Aircraft
Cessna 185
Tail Number
N185KA
Operator
Kaylor Ronald W
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ANC90FA105

THE PILOT ELECTED TO TAKE OFF FROM A REMOTE LAKE IN GUSTY, TURBULENT WIND CONDITIONS. THE AIRPLANE WAS ESTIMATED TO BE 245 POUNDS OVER GROSS ALLOWABLE WEIGHT, AND ONLY FOUR SEATS AND SEAT BELTS WERE AVAILABLE FOR THE SIX PEOPLE ABOARD. WITNESSES SAID THAT THE AIRPLANE WAS PULLED OFF THE LAKE ABRUPTLY AND CLIMBED AT A STEEP ATTITUDE UNTIL APPROXIMATELY 20 FEET AGL. THE AIRPLANE THEN STRUCK THE WATER HARD WITH THE RIGHT FLOAT AND TURNED UPSIDE DOWN. RESCUERS INCLUDED A PILOT/PHYSICIAN AND LODGE OWNER WHO PROMPTLY REACHED THE SCENE AND SUCCESSFULLY ADMINISTERED CPR TO AN UNCONSCIOUS AND NOT BREATHING ADULT FEMALE AND MALE JUVENILE.

NTSB Probable Cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO FOLLOW PROPER PROCEDURES AND DIRECTIVES (EXCESSIVE FLAPS); FAILURE TO OPERATE THE AIRPLANE WITHIN THE ALLOWABLE GROSS WEIGHT LIMITATIONS; IMPROPER COMPENSATION FOR WIND CONDITIONS AND FAILURE TO MAINTAIN MINIMUM SAFE FLYING SPEED, RESULTING IN A STALL/MUSH.

Full Narrative

THE PILOT ELECTED TO TAKE OFF FROM A REMOTE LAKE IN GUSTY, TURBULENT WIND CONDITIONS. THE AIRPLANE WAS ESTIMATED TO BE 245 POUNDS OVER GROSS ALLOWABLE WEIGHT, AND ONLY FOUR SEATS AND SEAT BELTS WERE AVAILABLE FOR THE SIX PEOPLE ABOARD. WITNESSES SAID THAT THE AIRPLANE WAS PULLED OFF THE LAKE ABRUPTLY AND CLIMBED AT A STEEP ATTITUDE UNTIL APPROXIMATELY 20 FEET AGL. THE AIRPLANE THEN STRUCK THE WATER HARD WITH THE RIGHT FLOAT AND TURNED UPSIDE DOWN. RESCUERS INCLUDED A PILOT/PHYSICIAN AND LODGE OWNER WHO PROMPTLY REACHED THE SCENE AND SUCCESSFULLY ADMINISTERED CPR TO AN UNCONSCIOUS AND NOT BREATHING ADULT FEMALE AND MALE JUVENILE.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:30 AKDT
Nearest AirportKokhanok Bay (0nm N)
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 185
Tail NumberN185KA
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorKaylor Ronald W
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · IO-520-D · Reciprocating · 300
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary4 injuries (2 fatalities, 1 serious injury, 1 minor injury), 2 uninjured
Fatal2
Serious1
Minor1
Uninjured2
Total6
Crew 1Age 48 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind120° @ 20 kt, gusting 30 kt
Visibility25 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 10000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point59 / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourceWIT

Appendix: Source Data