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
January 9, 1989 · Cessna 140 · N89867
Audubon, IA
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
January 9, 1989
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Audubon, IA
Aircraft
Cessna 140
Tail Number
N89867
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
MKC89LA050
WHILE ON SOLO CROSS COUNTRY TRAINING FLIGHT, THE STUDENT PILOT SAID HE ATTEMPTED TO LAND THE TAILWHEEL ACFT ON RUNWAY 14 WITH A RIGHT CROSSWIND IN EXCESS OF 20 KNOTS. DURING THE LANDING FLARE, HE FELT HE WAS LOSING DIRECTIONAL CONTROL AND ELECTED TO GO-AROUND. SHORTLY AFTER THAT HE LOST DIRECTIONAL CONTROL AND DRIFTED TO THE LEFT STRIKING A TREE, THEN THE TERRAIN.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE AIRPLANE. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WERE THE CROSSWIND CONDITIONS.
Full Narrative
WHILE ON SOLO CROSS COUNTRY TRAINING FLIGHT, THE STUDENT PILOT SAID HE ATTEMPTED TO LAND THE TAILWHEEL ACFT ON RUNWAY 14 WITH A RIGHT CROSSWIND IN EXCESS OF 20 KNOTS. DURING THE LANDING FLARE, HE FELT HE WAS LOSING DIRECTIONAL CONTROL AND ELECTED TO GO-AROUND. SHORTLY AFTER THAT HE LOST DIRECTIONAL CONTROL AND DRIFTED TO THE LEFT STRIKING A TREE, THEN THE TERRAIN.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:15 CST
Nearest AirportAUDUBON (0nm N)
Runway14
Runway Length3000 ft
Runway Width60 ft
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftCessna 140
Tail NumberN89867
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · C-85-12 · Reciprocating · 85
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 33 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind200° @ 20 kt, gusting 25 kt
Visibility20 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point30 C / 12 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time17:50
Weather SourceWFAC