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
May 1, 1988 · Bellanca 7ECA · N31288
Merrimac, WI
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 1, 1988
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (1 fatality, 1 serious injury)
Location
Merrimac, WI
Aircraft
Bellanca 7ECA
Tail Number
N31288
Operator
Waterloo Flying Club
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
CHI88FA102
THE PILOT HAD JUST TAKEN OFF FROM A PRIVATE STRIP AND IMMEDIATELY ENTERED A HIGH ANGLE OF BANK TURN TO THE LEFT AT LOW ALTITUDE. A WITNESS, WHO WAS AN EXPERIENCED AEROBATIC PILOT, ESTIMATED THE ANGLE OF BANK TO APPROACH 90 DEGREES. THE NOSE WAS SEEN TO PITCH DOWN, AND THE AIRPLANE DISAPPEARED BELOW THE TREE LINE. IMPACT WAS IN A FARMER'S FIELD ONE-QUARTER MILE FROM THE DEPARTURE END OF THE RUNWAY.
Full Narrative
THE PILOT HAD JUST TAKEN OFF FROM A PRIVATE STRIP AND IMMEDIATELY ENTERED A HIGH ANGLE OF BANK TURN TO THE LEFT AT LOW ALTITUDE. A WITNESS, WHO WAS AN EXPERIENCED AEROBATIC PILOT, ESTIMATED THE ANGLE OF BANK TO APPROACH 90 DEGREES. THE NOSE WAS SEEN TO PITCH DOWN, AND THE AIRPLANE DISAPPEARED BELOW THE TREE LINE. IMPACT WAS IN A FARMER'S FIELD ONE-QUARTER MILE FROM THE DEPARTURE END OF THE RUNWAY.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:15 CDT
Nearest AirportPrivate Strip (0nm N)
Runway9
Runway Length2100 ft
Runway Width50 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftBellanca 7ECA
Tail NumberN31288
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
OperatorWaterloo Flying Club
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-235-C1 · Reciprocating · 115
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury Summary2 injuries (1 fatality, 1 serious injury)
Fatal1
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 50 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind70° @ 8 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point34 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time19:00
Weather SourceWFAC