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
August 8, 1989 · Bell 206B · N12DY
Georgetown, CO
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 8, 1989
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury), 1 uninjured
Location
Georgetown, CO
Aircraft
Bell 206B
Tail Number
N12DY
Operator
Ptarmigan Helicopters
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
DEN89LA189
THE COMMERCIAL PLT WAS FLYING A CAMERAMAN, WHO WAS FILMING A HIKER AT AN ELEVATION OF ABOUT 13,000 FT IN MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN. THE PLT REPORTED THAT THE WIND WAS FROM 280 DEG AT 15, GUSTING TO 25 KNOTS. AFTER TURNING DOWNWIND, THE HELICOPTER BEGAN AN UNCOMMANDED RIGHT YAW. THE PLT SAID THAT FULL LEFT PEDAL FAILED TO STOP THE TURN AND HE ATTEMPTED TO LAND. THE HELICOPTER TOUCHED DOWN IN A RIGHT YAW AND THE SKIDS COLLAPSED. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE MAIN ROTOR STRUCK THE GROUND AND THE TAIL ROTOR AND BOTH GEAR BOXES WERE DAMAGED.
NTSB Probable Cause
IMPROPER INFLIGHT PLANNING/DECISION BY THE PILOT. THE HIGH DENSITY ALTITUDE, TAIL WIND, GUSTS, AND TERRAIN WERE RELATED FACTORS.
Full Narrative
THE COMMERCIAL PLT WAS FLYING A CAMERAMAN, WHO WAS FILMING A HIKER AT AN ELEVATION OF ABOUT 13,000 FT IN MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN. THE PLT REPORTED THAT THE WIND WAS FROM 280 DEG AT 15, GUSTING TO 25 KNOTS. AFTER TURNING DOWNWIND, THE HELICOPTER BEGAN AN UNCOMMANDED RIGHT YAW. THE PLT SAID THAT FULL LEFT PEDAL FAILED TO STOP THE TURN AND HE ATTEMPTED TO LAND. THE HELICOPTER TOUCHED DOWN IN A RIGHT YAW AND THE SKIDS COLLAPSED. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE MAIN ROTOR STRUCK THE GROUND AND THE TAIL ROTOR AND BOTH GEAR BOXES WERE DAMAGED.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:10 MDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftBell 206B
Tail NumberN12DY
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorPtarmigan Helicopters
Operating RulePart 135
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsAllison · 250-C20B · Turboshaft · 420
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury), 1 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total2
Crew 1Age 28 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind280° @ 15 kt, gusting 25 kt
Visibility40 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point39 C / 0 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Weather SourcePILO