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
September 20, 1986 · De Havilland DHC-3 · N83U
American River, AK
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 20, 1986
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 minor injuries), 3 uninjured
Location
American River, AK
Aircraft
De Havilland DHC-3
Tail Number
N83U
Operator
Bering Air Service
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ANC86LA160
AFTER LANDING ON A 1200 FT GRAVEL BAR, THE PLT PACED OFF THE AVAILABLE AREA, ESTIMATED THE LOAD TO PICK UP, THEN LOADED THE ACFT. DUE TO THE X-WIND, HE USED LESS THAN TAKEOFF FLAPS. HE BEGAN TAKING OFF, BUT AFTER LIFT-OFF, THE ACFT 'SEEMED TO HIT A DOWNDRAFT.' THE PLT SELECTED TAKEOFF FLAPS & BEGAN A SLIGHT TURN TO GET MORE ROOM TO CLEAR A 20 FT BANK OF DIRT. HOWEVER, THE ACFT WOULD NOT CLEAR THE BANK. AFTER IMPACT, IT CAME TO REST ON THE TUNDRA & THE OCCUPANTS EXITED THE PLANE.
Full Narrative
AFTER LANDING ON A 1200 FT GRAVEL BAR, THE PLT PACED OFF THE AVAILABLE AREA, ESTIMATED THE LOAD TO PICK UP, THEN LOADED THE ACFT. DUE TO THE X-WIND, HE USED LESS THAN TAKEOFF FLAPS. HE BEGAN TAKING OFF, BUT AFTER LIFT-OFF, THE ACFT 'SEEMED TO HIT A DOWNDRAFT.' THE PLT SELECTED TAKEOFF FLAPS & BEGAN A SLIGHT TURN TO GET MORE ROOM TO CLEAR A 20 FT BANK OF DIRT. HOWEVER, THE ACFT WOULD NOT CLEAR THE BANK. AFTER IMPACT, IT CAME TO REST ON THE TUNDRA & THE OCCUPANTS EXITED THE PLANE.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:17 AKDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftDe Havilland DHC-3
Tail NumberN83U
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorBering Air Service
Operating RulePart 135
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsP&W · R-1340 · Reciprocating · 600
Seats6
People & Injuries
Injury Summary2 injuries (2 minor injuries), 3 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor2
Uninjured3
Total5
Crew 1Age 29 · First Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind270° @ 5 kt, gusting 15 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 1200 ft
Temperature / Dew Point36 C / 10 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Weather SourcePILO