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
November 11, 1988 · Stinson 108-1 · N8394K
Powderly, TX
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 11, 1988
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Powderly, TX
Aircraft
Stinson 108-1
Tail Number
N8394K
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
FTW89LA020
THE PILOT WAS RECEIVING HIS BIENNIAL FLIGHT REVIEW AND WAS ON APPROACH TO THE AIRPORT WHEN HE HEARD A LOUD SNAP AND LOST ELEVATOR CONTROL. HE WAS ABLE TO PUT THE AIRPLANE DOWN ON THE RUNWAY, BUT COULD NOT GET THE TAIL DOWN. WHEN HE APPLIED THE BRAKES, THE AIRCRAFT FLIPPED FORWARD TO THE INVERTED POSITION. INVESTIGATION REVEALED THE ARM BETWEEN THE ELEVATOR AND THE BELL CRANK WAS BROKEN. FURTHER INVESTIGATION INDICATED THERE HAD BEEN WATER INSIDE THE ARM WHICH HAD RUSTED THROUGH TO THE OUTSIDE.
Full Narrative
THE PILOT WAS RECEIVING HIS BIENNIAL FLIGHT REVIEW AND WAS ON APPROACH TO THE AIRPORT WHEN HE HEARD A LOUD SNAP AND LOST ELEVATOR CONTROL. HE WAS ABLE TO PUT THE AIRPLANE DOWN ON THE RUNWAY, BUT COULD NOT GET THE TAIL DOWN. WHEN HE APPLIED THE BRAKES, THE AIRCRAFT FLIPPED FORWARD TO THE INVERTED POSITION. INVESTIGATION REVEALED THE ARM BETWEEN THE ELEVATOR AND THE BELL CRANK WAS BROKEN. FURTHER INVESTIGATION INDICATED THERE HAD BEEN WATER INSIDE THE ARM WHICH HAD RUSTED THROUGH TO THE OUTSIDE.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:40 CST
Nearest AirportPOWDERLY (0nm N)
Runway35
Runway Length2945 ft
Runway Width38 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftStinson 108-1
Tail NumberN8394K
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsFranklin · 6A4-150-B3 · Reciprocating · 150
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 59 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind120° @ 14 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingOvercast 2200 ft
Temperature / Dew Point61 F / 46
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time19:47
Weather SourceWFAC