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
February 27, 1988 · Barnett Drifter XP503 Drifter XP · N247JB
Alvin, TX
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 27, 1988
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury)
Location
Alvin, TX
Aircraft
Barnett Drifter XP503 Drifter XP
Tail Number
N247JB
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
FTW88DRA04
THE PILOT REASSEMBLED THE FLIGHT CONTROLS JUST PRIOR TO FLIGHT, AND INSTALLED THE AILERON PINS TO CONNECT THE CABLES, BUT FORGET THE SAFETY LOCKING DEVICES. DURING FLIGHT, THE PINS FELL OUT CAUSING A TOTAL LOSS OF AILERON CONTROL.
Full Narrative
THE PILOT REASSEMBLED THE FLIGHT CONTROLS JUST PRIOR TO FLIGHT, AND INSTALLED THE AILERON PINS TO CONNECT THE CABLES, BUT FORGET THE SAFETY LOCKING DEVICES. DURING FLIGHT, THE PINS FELL OUT CAUSING A TOTAL LOSS OF AILERON CONTROL.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:15 CST
Nearest AirportAlvin Airpark (0nm N)
Runway21
Runway Length4000 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftBarnett Drifter XP503 Drifter XP
Tail NumberN247JB
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsRotax · 503 · Reciprocating · 48
Seats1
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 39 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility15 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 5000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point63 F
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time22:52
Weather SourceWFAC