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 17, 1986 · Cessna 152 · N4945H
Van Nuys, CA
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 17, 1986
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Location
Van Nuys, CA
Aircraft
Cessna 152
Tail Number
N4945H
Operator
King Aviation Center
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX86LA353
THE PLT & PASSENGER, EACH WEIGHING 185 POUNDS, PLANNED A LOCAL FLIGHT IN THE RENTED CESSNA 152. THE ACFT'S FUEL TANKS WERE FULL. THE PLT REPORTED THAT DURING HIS PRETAKEOFF ENGINE RUN UP NO MECHANICAL DIFFICULTIES/MALFUNCTIONS WERE OBSERVED. THE PLT ALSO REPORTED THAT THE ACFT'S ACELERATION DURING THE TAKEOFF ROLL WAS SLOW & THE ACFT FELT 'LAZY' DURING CLIMB. WHEN THE ACFT FAILED TO GAIN ALTITUDE & IT APPEARED ADDITIONAL LIFT WOULD BE NECESSARY TO CLEAR OBSTACLES, THE PLT LOWERED THE FLAPS 10 DEG. THE ACFT STALLED, CONTROL WAS LOST, & THE ACFT CAME TO REST IN A RESIDENTIAL SWIMMING POOL. EXAM OF THE ACFT REVEALED THAT THE PLT HAD TAKEN OFF WITH THE IGNITION KEY SET TO THE LEFT MAGNETO POSITION. ALSO, AT DEPARTURE THE ACFT'S MAXIMUM GROSS WEIGHT HAD BEEN EXCEEDED BY ABOUT 15 LBS.
Full Narrative
THE PLT & PASSENGER, EACH WEIGHING 185 POUNDS, PLANNED A LOCAL FLIGHT IN THE RENTED CESSNA 152. THE ACFT'S FUEL TANKS WERE FULL. THE PLT REPORTED THAT DURING HIS PRETAKEOFF ENGINE RUN UP NO MECHANICAL DIFFICULTIES/MALFUNCTIONS WERE OBSERVED. THE PLT ALSO REPORTED THAT THE ACFT'S ACELERATION DURING THE TAKEOFF ROLL WAS SLOW & THE ACFT FELT 'LAZY' DURING CLIMB. WHEN THE ACFT FAILED TO GAIN ALTITUDE & IT APPEARED ADDITIONAL LIFT WOULD BE NECESSARY TO CLEAR OBSTACLES, THE PLT LOWERED THE FLAPS 10 DEG. THE ACFT STALLED, CONTROL WAS LOST, & THE ACFT CAME TO REST IN A RESIDENTIAL SWIMMING POOL. EXAM OF THE ACFT REVEALED THAT THE PLT HAD TAKEN OFF WITH THE IGNITION KEY SET TO THE LEFT MAGNETO POSITION. ALSO, AT DEPARTURE THE ACFT'S MAXIMUM GROSS WEIGHT HAD BEEN EXCEEDED BY ABOUT 15 LBS.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:32 PDT
Nearest AirportVANNUYS (1nm NNW)
Runway34
Runway Length8001 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftCessna 152
Tail NumberN4945H
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorKing Aviation Center
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-235-L2C · Reciprocating · 110
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury Summary2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor2
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 46 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind280° @ 7 kt
Visibility50 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point50
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time00:33
Weather SourceWFAC