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
Featured Report

Loading…

Loading featured report…

Loading…
Open 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…

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 manufacturers

Airports

More airports

Operators

More operators

About

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

July 31, 1987 · Piper PA-18 · N5416H

Anchorage, AK

Overview

Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 31, 1987
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 serious injuries)
Location
Anchorage, AK
Aircraft
Piper PA-18
Tail Number
N5416H
Operator
Frank Flores
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ANC87FA112

TWO CERTIFICATED FLIGHT INSTRUCTORS INTENDED TO PRACTICE LANDINGS IN A TAIL WHEEL AIRPLANE. SHORTLY AFTER THE FIRST TAKE OFF, THE PIC STATED THAT THERE WAS AN ABRUPT LOSS OF POWER. THE AIRPLANE WAS UNABLE TO RETURN TO THE AIRPORT AND CRASHED ON A RESIDENTIAL STREET. A POST-CRASH INSPECTION REVEALED THAT THE CARBURETOR HEAT AIR DEFLECTOR VALVE IN THE CARBURETOR AIR BOX HAD DISENGAGED FROM ITS MOUNTING DUE TO CORROSION, AND HAD BLOCKED OFF ALL AIR TO THE CARBURETOR CAUSING THE ENGINE TO QUIT.

Full Narrative

TWO CERTIFICATED FLIGHT INSTRUCTORS INTENDED TO PRACTICE LANDINGS IN A TAIL WHEEL AIRPLANE. SHORTLY AFTER THE FIRST TAKE OFF, THE PIC STATED THAT THERE WAS AN ABRUPT LOSS OF POWER. THE AIRPLANE WAS UNABLE TO RETURN TO THE AIRPORT AND CRASHED ON A RESIDENTIAL STREET. A POST-CRASH INSPECTION REVEALED THAT THE CARBURETOR HEAT AIR DEFLECTOR VALVE IN THE CARBURETOR AIR BOX HAD DISENGAGED FROM ITS MOUNTING DUE TO CORROSION, AND HAD BLOCKED OFF ALL AIR TO THE CARBURETOR CAUSING THE ENGINE TO QUIT.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:22 AKDT
Nearest AirportMerrill Field (1nm SW)
Runway24
Runway Length4000 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-18
Tail NumberN5416H
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorFrank Flores
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · C-90-8F · Reciprocating · 90
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (2 serious injuries)
Fatal0
Serious2
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 22 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind340° @ 5 kt
Visibility50 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 8000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point57 / 55
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time12:27
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data