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
March 23, 1986 · Navion H · N25342
Columbus, IN
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 23, 1986
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Columbus, IN
Aircraft
Navion H
Tail Number
N25342
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI86LA107
THE PILOT WAS PRACTICING A SHORT FIELD TAKEOFF WHEN AT 30 TO 40 FEET THE ENGINE LOST POWER AND QUIT, THE AIRCRAFT SUBSEQUENTLY LANDED HARD DAMAGING THE RIGHT LANDING GEAR BOX AND FUSELAGE BEHIND THE RIGHT WING. THE PILOT SAID HE MAY HAVE TAKEN OFF ON THE TIP TANKS BUT HE THOUGHT HE WAS ON THE MAINS. INSPECTION REVEALED THE TIP TANKS TO BE NEARLY EMPTY. THE ENGINE AND FUEL SYSTEM WERE FOUND TO BE FUNCTIONING PROPERLY WHEN TESTED. LATER THE PILOT SAID HE FOUND A SMALL AMOUNT OF 'BROWN WATER' IN THE FUEL WHEN HE DRAINED THE TANKS.
Full Narrative
THE PILOT WAS PRACTICING A SHORT FIELD TAKEOFF WHEN AT 30 TO 40 FEET THE ENGINE LOST POWER AND QUIT, THE AIRCRAFT SUBSEQUENTLY LANDED HARD DAMAGING THE RIGHT LANDING GEAR BOX AND FUSELAGE BEHIND THE RIGHT WING. THE PILOT SAID HE MAY HAVE TAKEN OFF ON THE TIP TANKS BUT HE THOUGHT HE WAS ON THE MAINS. INSPECTION REVEALED THE TIP TANKS TO BE NEARLY EMPTY. THE ENGINE AND FUEL SYSTEM WERE FOUND TO BE FUNCTIONING PROPERLY WHEN TESTED. LATER THE PILOT SAID HE FOUND A SMALL AMOUNT OF 'BROWN WATER' IN THE FUEL WHEN HE DRAINED THE TANKS.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:30 EST
Nearest AirportColumbus Municipal (0nm N)
Runway22
Runway Length6425 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftNavion H
Tail NumberN25342
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · IO-520-BA · Reciprocating · 285
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 33 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind230° @ 11 kt
Visibility12 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 25000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point52 / 27 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time16:50
Weather SourceWFAC