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
October 9, 1989 · Piper PA-28-161 · N8149J
Tampa, FL
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 9, 1989
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury), 3 uninjured
Location
Tampa, FL
Aircraft
Piper PA-28-161
Tail Number
N8149J
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
MIA90LA009
DURING TAKEOFF AT NIGHT, THE AIRPLANE COLLIDED WITH A COW THAT HAD GOTTEN ONTO THE AIRPORT. THE PILOT REPORTED THAT HE WAS UNABLE TO SEE THE ANIMAL ON THE APSHALT RUNWAY WITH A DARK BACKGROUND UNTIL JUST BEFORE IMPACT. THERE WERE SEVERAL ACCESS POINTS WHERE A LARGE ANIMAL COULD HAVE COME ONTO THE AIRPORT. THE EXACT ACCESS POINT WAS NOT DETERMINED.
NTSB Probable Cause
AN ANIMAL (COW) THAT HAD WANDERED ONTO THE ARPT.
Full Narrative
DURING TAKEOFF AT NIGHT, THE AIRPLANE COLLIDED WITH A COW THAT HAD GOTTEN ONTO THE AIRPORT. THE PILOT REPORTED THAT HE WAS UNABLE TO SEE THE ANIMAL ON THE APSHALT RUNWAY WITH A DARK BACKGROUND UNTIL JUST BEFORE IMPACT. THERE WERE SEVERAL ACCESS POINTS WHERE A LARGE ANIMAL COULD HAVE COME ONTO THE AIRPORT. THE EXACT ACCESS POINT WAS NOT DETERMINED.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time21:05 EDT
Nearest AirportVandenberg (0nm N)
Runway18
Runway Length3260 ft
Runway Width65 ft
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-28-161
Tail NumberN8149J
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-D3G · Reciprocating · 160
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury), 3 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured3
Total4
Crew 1Age 38 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightBright Night
Wind330° @ 5 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingNone
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time00:50
Weather SourceWFAC