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

June 5, 1986 · Mooney M20E · N1308W

Pell City, AL

Overview

Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 5, 1986
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Pell City, AL
Aircraft
Mooney M20E
Tail Number
N1308W
Operator
William Shepherd
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ATL86LA157

THE ENG LOST PWR AND A FORCED LANDING WAS MADE APRX 5 MILES SOUTH OF THE DESTINATION ARPT. THE PLT REPORTED THAT, PRIOR TO DEPARTURE HE VISUALLY EXAMINED THE FUEL TANKS AND ESTIMATED HAVING APRX 9 GALS TOTAL FUEL ONBOARD. HE ESTIMATED THAT ONLY 5 GALS WOULD BE REQUIRED FOR THE FLT TO THE DESTINATION ARPT WHERE HE PLANNED TO REFUEL. THE PLT SWITCHED TANKS AFTER THE INITIAL PWR LOSS, AND THE ENG REGAINED PWR AND RAN FOR APRX 1 MINUTE BEFORE LOSING PWR AGAIN. INVESTIGATION REVEALED APRX 1 1/2 GALS FUEL REMAINED IN ONE TANK AND THE OTHER TANK WAS EMPTY. THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF FUEL LEAKAGE.

Full Narrative

THE ENG LOST PWR AND A FORCED LANDING WAS MADE APRX 5 MILES SOUTH OF THE DESTINATION ARPT. THE PLT REPORTED THAT, PRIOR TO DEPARTURE HE VISUALLY EXAMINED THE FUEL TANKS AND ESTIMATED HAVING APRX 9 GALS TOTAL FUEL ONBOARD. HE ESTIMATED THAT ONLY 5 GALS WOULD BE REQUIRED FOR THE FLT TO THE DESTINATION ARPT WHERE HE PLANNED TO REFUEL. THE PLT SWITCHED TANKS AFTER THE INITIAL PWR LOSS, AND THE ENG REGAINED PWR AND RAN FOR APRX 1 MINUTE BEFORE LOSING PWR AGAIN. INVESTIGATION REVEALED APRX 1 1/2 GALS FUEL REMAINED IN ONE TANK AND THE OTHER TANK WAS EMPTY. THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF FUEL LEAKAGE.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:00 CDT
Nearest Airport5nm SSW
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftMooney M20E
Tail NumberN1308W
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorWilliam Shepherd
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-360-A1A · Reciprocating · 200
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 48 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind70° @ 12 kt, gusting 18 kt
Visibility4 sm
CeilingUnknown 2500 ft
Temperature / Dew Point68 F
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data