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 16, 1987 · Piper PA-12 · N4202M
Spencer Lake, ME
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 16, 1987
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (3 uninjured)
Location
Spencer Lake, ME
Aircraft
Piper PA-12
Tail Number
N4202M
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
NYC87LA205
THE FLIGHT ORIGINATED AT SPENCER LAKE AND FLEW NORTH THEN SOUTH TO BAKER LAKE. SOUTH OF HEDGEHOG MOUNTAIN THE FLIGHT ENCOUNTERED DOWNDRAFTS AND A LOSS OF ALTITUDE AT 500-600 FEET PER MINUTE. UPON TURNING RIGHT TO RETURN TO SPENCER LAKE THE AIRCRAFT CONTINUED TO LOSE ALTITUDE. THE AIRCRAFT CRASHED INTO TREES AND CAME TO REST WITH THE FLOATS ON THE GROUND. FUEL LEAKED INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND A FIRE ERUPTED.
Full Narrative
THE FLIGHT ORIGINATED AT SPENCER LAKE AND FLEW NORTH THEN SOUTH TO BAKER LAKE. SOUTH OF HEDGEHOG MOUNTAIN THE FLIGHT ENCOUNTERED DOWNDRAFTS AND A LOSS OF ALTITUDE AT 500-600 FEET PER MINUTE. UPON TURNING RIGHT TO RETURN TO SPENCER LAKE THE AIRCRAFT CONTINUED TO LOSE ALTITUDE. THE AIRCRAFT CRASHED INTO TREES AND CAME TO REST WITH THE FLOATS ON THE GROUND. FUEL LEAKED INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND A FIRE ERUPTED.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time20:10 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-12
Tail NumberN4202M
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-235-C · Reciprocating · 100
Seats3
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (3 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured3
Total3
Crew 1Age 36 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind10 kt, gusting 14 kt
Visibility20 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point61 F / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO