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 18, 1989 · Robinson R-22HP · N9021M
Ronkonkoma, NY
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
January 18, 1989
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury)
Location
Ronkonkoma, NY
Aircraft
Robinson R-22HP
Tail Number
N9021M
Operator
American Helicopters
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
NYC89LA068
THE ROBINSON R-22HP TOOK OFF AND CRASHED ON THE AIRPORT IMMEDIATELY AFTER GETTING AIRBORNE. THERE WERE NO WITNESSES AND THE PILOT SAID HE DID NOT REMEMBER WHAT HAPPENED. THE MAIN ROTOR EXHIBITED SIGNS OF LOW ROTOR RPM AND THE FUSELAGE SHOWED SIGNS OF HIGH VERTICAL IMPACT FORCES. THE MAIN ROTOR HEAD AND THE FREEWHEELING CLUTCH WERE BOTH FREE TO ROTATE. NO EVIDENCE OF CONTROL MALFUNCTION WAS FOUND.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE PILOT'S IMPROPER OPERATION OF THE ROTORCRAFT FLIGHT CONTROLS AND A RESULTING LOW ROTOR RPM CONDITION.
Full Narrative
THE ROBINSON R-22HP TOOK OFF AND CRASHED ON THE AIRPORT IMMEDIATELY AFTER GETTING AIRBORNE. THERE WERE NO WITNESSES AND THE PILOT SAID HE DID NOT REMEMBER WHAT HAPPENED. THE MAIN ROTOR EXHIBITED SIGNS OF LOW ROTOR RPM AND THE FUSELAGE SHOWED SIGNS OF HIGH VERTICAL IMPACT FORCES. THE MAIN ROTOR HEAD AND THE FREEWHEELING CLUTCH WERE BOTH FREE TO ROTATE. NO EVIDENCE OF CONTROL MALFUNCTION WAS FOUND.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:04 EST
Nearest AirportLong Island Macarthur (0nm N)
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftRobinson R-22HP
Tail NumberN9021M
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorAmerican Helicopters
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-B2C · Reciprocating · 160
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 52 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind200° @ 8 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point45 C / 28 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time18:07
Weather SourceWFAC