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
July 27, 1987 · Watts 532 Elite · N5352
Davenport, IA
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 27, 1987
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 fatality)
Location
Davenport, IA
Aircraft
Watts 532 Elite
Tail Number
N5352
Operator
John L Watts Sr
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
MKC87FA148
WITNESSES LOCATED 1/4 MI NORTH OF THE ACCIDENT SITE, OBSERVED THE GYROCOPTER DEPARTING THE DAVENPORT, IA AIRPORT AND TURNING TO THE SOUTHWEST. WHILE IN CRUISE FLIGHT THE WITNESSES OBSERVED THE AIRCRAFT MOVING IN AN UP AND DOWN MOTION PRIOR TO WHAT APPEARED TO BE PARTS OF THE GYROCOPTER FLYING OFF. THE GYROCOPTER THEN FELL VERTICALLY INTO A CORNFIELD. ON SCENE INVESTIGATION REVEALED THAT THE RUDDER WAS STRUCK BY THE MAIN ROTOR BLADE WHICH SEPARATED FROM ITS MOUNTING. A NEARBY WEATHER REPORTING STATION REPORTED A WIND CHANGE OF NEARLY 80 DEGREES AND WIND GUSTS TO 26 KNOTS DURING THE FLIGHT. LOCAL OPERATORS OF THE SAME TYPE OF GYROCOPTER INDICATED THE 'FLIGHT CONTROLS WERE EXTREMELY SENSITIVE INFLIGHT AND OVERCONTROL IS POSSIBLE WHEN IN TURBULENT WIND CONDITIONS.' NO PREIMPACT MECHANICAL MALFUNCTIONS/FAILURES WERE FOUND.
Full Narrative
WITNESSES LOCATED 1/4 MI NORTH OF THE ACCIDENT SITE, OBSERVED THE GYROCOPTER DEPARTING THE DAVENPORT, IA AIRPORT AND TURNING TO THE SOUTHWEST. WHILE IN CRUISE FLIGHT THE WITNESSES OBSERVED THE AIRCRAFT MOVING IN AN UP AND DOWN MOTION PRIOR TO WHAT APPEARED TO BE PARTS OF THE GYROCOPTER FLYING OFF. THE GYROCOPTER THEN FELL VERTICALLY INTO A CORNFIELD. ON SCENE INVESTIGATION REVEALED THAT THE RUDDER WAS STRUCK BY THE MAIN ROTOR BLADE WHICH SEPARATED FROM ITS MOUNTING. A NEARBY WEATHER REPORTING STATION REPORTED A WIND CHANGE OF NEARLY 80 DEGREES AND WIND GUSTS TO 26 KNOTS DURING THE FLIGHT. LOCAL OPERATORS OF THE SAME TYPE OF GYROCOPTER INDICATED THE 'FLIGHT CONTROLS WERE EXTREMELY SENSITIVE INFLIGHT AND OVERCONTROL IS POSSIBLE WHEN IN TURBULENT WIND CONDITIONS.' NO PREIMPACT MECHANICAL MALFUNCTIONS/FAILURES WERE FOUND.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time18:35 CDT
Nearest AirportDavenport (0nm N)
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftWatts 532 Elite
Tail NumberN5352
Aircraft CategoryGyro
DamageSubstantial
OperatorJohn L Watts Sr
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsRotax · 532 · Reciprocating · 65
Seats1
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 fatality)
Fatal1
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 46 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind50° @ 18 kt, gusting 26 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 25000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time23:50
Weather SourceWFAC