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
November 24, 1987 · Cessna 152 · N5418P
San Clemente, CA
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 24, 1987
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
San Clemente, CA
Aircraft
Cessna 152
Tail Number
N5418P
Operator
Gunnel Aviation
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX88LA054
A PARTIAL LOSS OF ENG POWER OCCURRED WHILE THE STUDENT PLT WAS ON A SOLO X-COUNTRY FLT. HE APPLIED CARB HEAT, BUT TO NO AVAIL. THE ENG CONTINUED TO RUN ROUGH & THE PLT MADE AN EMERGENCY LANDING ON UPWARD SLOPING TERRAIN. DURING THE LANDING ROLL, THE NOSE GEAR HIT A HOLE IN THE DIRT & THE ACFT NOSED OVER. AN EXAM OF THE ENG DISCLOSED THAT THE #3 EXHAUST VALVE RETAINING NUT HAD BACKED OFF UNTIL THE VALVE WOULD NOT OPERATE AS THE CRANKSHAFT WAS ROTATED. DURING MAINTENANCE ON THE PREVIOUS DAY, THE #3 VALVES HAD BEEN ADJUSTED.
Full Narrative
A PARTIAL LOSS OF ENG POWER OCCURRED WHILE THE STUDENT PLT WAS ON A SOLO X-COUNTRY FLT. HE APPLIED CARB HEAT, BUT TO NO AVAIL. THE ENG CONTINUED TO RUN ROUGH & THE PLT MADE AN EMERGENCY LANDING ON UPWARD SLOPING TERRAIN. DURING THE LANDING ROLL, THE NOSE GEAR HIT A HOLE IN THE DIRT & THE ACFT NOSED OVER. AN EXAM OF THE ENG DISCLOSED THAT THE #3 EXHAUST VALVE RETAINING NUT HAD BACKED OFF UNTIL THE VALVE WOULD NOT OPERATE AS THE CRANKSHAFT WAS ROTATED. DURING MAINTENANCE ON THE PREVIOUS DAY, THE #3 VALVES HAD BEEN ADJUSTED.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:20 PST
Nearest Airport23nm ESE
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftCessna 152
Tail NumberN5418P
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorGunnel Aviation
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-235-N2C · Reciprocating · 110
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 20 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind270° @ 6 kt
Visibility4 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time20:46
Weather SourceWFAC