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
April 21, 1988 · Cessna 182J · N2720F
Rapid City, SD
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 21, 1988
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 fatalities)
Location
Rapid City, SD
Aircraft
Cessna 182J
Tail Number
N2720F
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
DEN88FA100
THE PLT RECEIVED A WX BRIEFING PRIOR TO DEPARTURE FROM MILES CITY, MT. THE BRIEFING INDICATED WX CONDITIONS LESS THAN VFR WITH ICING CONDITIONS. THE PLT DEPARTED AND LANDED APPROXIMATELY 1 HOUR LATER TO REMOVE ICE FROM HIS ACFT. THE PLT DEPARTED A SECOND TIME AND, WHILE ENROUTE, ENCOUNTERED LOWER CEILINGS & VIS. THE PLT ATTEMPTED TO EXECUTE THE VOR/DME 14 APPROACH TO RAPID CITY. WITNESSES SAW THE ACFT FLYING AT A LOW ALTITUDE WITH THE WINGS ROCKING. THE ON-SCENE INVESTIGATION REVEALED APPROXIMATELY ONE INCH OF ICE ACCUMULATION ON THE LEADING EDGES OF THE WINGS, HORIZONTAL, AND VERTICAL STABILIZERS.
Full Narrative
THE PLT RECEIVED A WX BRIEFING PRIOR TO DEPARTURE FROM MILES CITY, MT. THE BRIEFING INDICATED WX CONDITIONS LESS THAN VFR WITH ICING CONDITIONS. THE PLT DEPARTED AND LANDED APPROXIMATELY 1 HOUR LATER TO REMOVE ICE FROM HIS ACFT. THE PLT DEPARTED A SECOND TIME AND, WHILE ENROUTE, ENCOUNTERED LOWER CEILINGS & VIS. THE PLT ATTEMPTED TO EXECUTE THE VOR/DME 14 APPROACH TO RAPID CITY. WITNESSES SAW THE ACFT FLYING AT A LOW ALTITUDE WITH THE WINGS ROCKING. THE ON-SCENE INVESTIGATION REVEALED APPROXIMATELY ONE INCH OF ICE ACCUMULATION ON THE LEADING EDGES OF THE WINGS, HORIZONTAL, AND VERTICAL STABILIZERS.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:37 CDT
Nearest AirportRapid City Regional (3nm NW)
Runway14
Runway Length8700 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftCessna 182J
Tail NumberN2720F
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · O-470-LCR · Reciprocating · 230
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury Summary2 injuries (2 fatalities)
Fatal2
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 64 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsIMC
LightDaylight
Wind70° @ 11 kt
Visibility4 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 900 ft
Temperature / Dew Point34 C / 0 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time16:44
Weather SourceWFAC