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
April 20, 1987 · Cessna 150J · N60696
Waverly, TN
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 20, 1987
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Waverly, TN
Aircraft
Cessna 150J
Tail Number
N60696
Operator
James W Sanders
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ATL87LA125
THE PLT REPORTED THAT HE WAS TAXIING TO THE RWY WHEN THE 'RUDDER FAILED TO TURN THE (AIRPLANE) ONTO THE RWY AND THE LEFT BRAKE FAILED.' THE AIRPLANE SUBSEQUENTLY RAN OFF THE END OF THE TAXIWAY, TRAVELED APPROX. 50 FT., WENT OVER A STEEP DROPOFF AND COLLIDED WITH THE TERRAIN BELOW. EXAMINATION OF THE ACFT BY A MECHANIC REVEALED THAT THE LEFT BRAKE SYSTEM FLUID SUPPLY HAD LEAKED OUT OF THE LEFT BRAKE ASSY, AROUND THE CALIPER PISTON 0-RING. NO PROBLEMS WERE FOUND TO EXIST IN THE NOSEWHEEL STEERING SYSTEM.
Full Narrative
THE PLT REPORTED THAT HE WAS TAXIING TO THE RWY WHEN THE 'RUDDER FAILED TO TURN THE (AIRPLANE) ONTO THE RWY AND THE LEFT BRAKE FAILED.' THE AIRPLANE SUBSEQUENTLY RAN OFF THE END OF THE TAXIWAY, TRAVELED APPROX. 50 FT., WENT OVER A STEEP DROPOFF AND COLLIDED WITH THE TERRAIN BELOW. EXAMINATION OF THE ACFT BY A MECHANIC REVEALED THAT THE LEFT BRAKE SYSTEM FLUID SUPPLY HAD LEAKED OUT OF THE LEFT BRAKE ASSY, AROUND THE CALIPER PISTON 0-RING. NO PROBLEMS WERE FOUND TO EXIST IN THE NOSEWHEEL STEERING SYSTEM.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:15 CDT
Nearest AirportHumphreys County (0nm N)
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftCessna 150J
Tail NumberN60696
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorJames W Sanders
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-E2D · Reciprocating · 150
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 41 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind360° @ 8 kt
Visibility25 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO