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
January 9, 1988 · Cessna 172 · N8439X
Willow, AK
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
January 9, 1988
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Willow, AK
Aircraft
Cessna 172
Tail Number
N8439X
Operator
Alvin L Ashton
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ANC88DAG02
THE PILOT STATED THAT IMMEDIATELY UPON TOUCHDOWN, THE AIRPLANE STARTED SINKING IN (TWO FEET) DEEP SNOW, AND CAME TO A STOP IN ABOUT 50 FEET. THE LEFT WING AND PROPELLER STRUCK THE GROUND. THE PLT HAD OVERFLOWN THE ARPT AND SAW THE SNOW REMOVAL EQUIPMENT ABOUT MID-FIELD. HE DECIDED TO LAND SHORT OF THEM. UNFORTUNATELY HE CHOSE THE UNPLOWED END OF THE RWY.
Full Narrative
THE PILOT STATED THAT IMMEDIATELY UPON TOUCHDOWN, THE AIRPLANE STARTED SINKING IN (TWO FEET) DEEP SNOW, AND CAME TO A STOP IN ABOUT 50 FEET. THE LEFT WING AND PROPELLER STRUCK THE GROUND. THE PLT HAD OVERFLOWN THE ARPT AND SAW THE SNOW REMOVAL EQUIPMENT ABOUT MID-FIELD. HE DECIDED TO LAND SHORT OF THEM. UNFORTUNATELY HE CHOSE THE UNPLOWED END OF THE RWY.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time05:00 AKST
Nearest AirportWILLOW (0nm N)
Runway13
Runway Length3100 ft
Runway Width105 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftCessna 172
Tail NumberN8439X
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorAlvin L Ashton
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-E20 · Reciprocating · 150
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 49 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDawn
WindCalm
Visibility50 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point10 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO