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

May 1, 1986 · Cessna 182P · N21139

Indianapolis, IN

Overview

Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 1, 1986
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 serious injuries)
Location
Indianapolis, IN
Aircraft
Cessna 182P
Tail Number
N21139
Operator
J Meadors
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI86LA135

THE ACFT HAD SAT IDLE FOR FOUR DAYS IN HEAVY RAINS PRIOR TO THIS FLT. A LOSS OF POWER WAS EXPERIENCED DURING TAKEOFF. THE PLT ATTEMPTED A 180 DEG TURN BACK TO THE ARPT DURING WHICH THE ACFT STALLED AND DESCENDED TO GROUND IMPACT. APRX 2.5 OUNCES OF WATER WERE FOUND IN THE CARBURETOR. WATER WAS ALSO FOUND IN THE RIGHT FUEL TANK. THE LEFT TANK HAD RUPTURED DURING THE ACCIDENT. THE FUEL CAPS AND CHAINS WERE FOUND TO BE RUSTED.

Full Narrative

THE ACFT HAD SAT IDLE FOR FOUR DAYS IN HEAVY RAINS PRIOR TO THIS FLT. A LOSS OF POWER WAS EXPERIENCED DURING TAKEOFF. THE PLT ATTEMPTED A 180 DEG TURN BACK TO THE ARPT DURING WHICH THE ACFT STALLED AND DESCENDED TO GROUND IMPACT. APRX 2.5 OUNCES OF WATER WERE FOUND IN THE CARBURETOR. WATER WAS ALSO FOUND IN THE RIGHT FUEL TANK. THE LEFT TANK HAD RUPTURED DURING THE ACCIDENT. THE FUEL CAPS AND CHAINS WERE FOUND TO BE RUSTED.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time08:45 EDT
Nearest AirportEagle Brook (1nm WNW)
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 182P
Tail NumberN21139
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorJ Meadors
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · O-470-R · Reciprocating · 230
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (2 serious injuries)
Fatal0
Serious2
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 52 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsIMC
LightDaylight
Wind330° @ 13 kt
Visibility12 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 15000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point57 / 48
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time13:51
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data