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

October 29, 1988 · Piper PA-23-250 · N5237Y

San Juan, PR

Overview

Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 29, 1988
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
San Juan, PR
Aircraft
Piper PA-23-250
Tail Number
N5237Y
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
MIA89LA019

THE PILOT NOTED AN EXPLOSION IN THE RIGHT WING DURING ENGINE START. HE STATED THAT THE AIRCRAFT HAD BEEN 'TOPPED OFF' PRIOR TO THE FLIGHT. RESIDUE OF FUEL WAS FOUND IN THE WING OUTSIDE THE FUEL CELLS AFTER THE EXPLOSION.

Full Narrative

THE PILOT NOTED AN EXPLOSION IN THE RIGHT WING DURING ENGINE START. HE STATED THAT THE AIRCRAFT HAD BEEN 'TOPPED OFF' PRIOR TO THE FLIGHT. RESIDUE OF FUEL WAS FOUND IN THE WING OUTSIDE THE FUEL CELLS AFTER THE EXPLOSION.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:40 AST
Nearest AirportLuis Munoz Marin Int'L (0nm N)
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionGrd

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-23-250
Tail NumberN5237Y
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 135
Engines2
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-540-A1D5 · Reciprocating · 250
Seats6

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 26 · First Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind190° @ 6 kt
Visibility12 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 9000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point70 F
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time18:54
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data