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

November 17, 1986 · Cessna 120 · N4085N

Columbia, CA

Overview

Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 17, 1986
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Columbia, CA
Aircraft
Cessna 120
Tail Number
N4085N
Operator
Glenn W Smith
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX87LA042

AT THE BEGINNING OF A LOCAL PLEASURE FLIGHT, THE PILOT LOST CONTROL OF THE AIRCRAFT WHILE PRACTICING HIGH SPEED TAXIING FOR DIRECTIONAL CONTROL FOR TAKEOFFS AND LANDINGS. UPON REACHING LIFTOFF SPEED, THE POWER WAS REDUCED TO IDLE. THE AIRCRAFT SWERVED TO THE LEFT AND RIGHT RUDDER WAS APPLIED. THE AIRCRAFT THEN SWERVED TO THE RIGHT AND FULL LEFT RUDDER AND FORWARD STICK WERE APPLIED. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE LEFT WING STRUCK THE GROUND AND THE AIRCRAFT NOSED DOWN.

Full Narrative

AT THE BEGINNING OF A LOCAL PLEASURE FLIGHT, THE PILOT LOST CONTROL OF THE AIRCRAFT WHILE PRACTICING HIGH SPEED TAXIING FOR DIRECTIONAL CONTROL FOR TAKEOFFS AND LANDINGS. UPON REACHING LIFTOFF SPEED, THE POWER WAS REDUCED TO IDLE. THE AIRCRAFT SWERVED TO THE LEFT AND RIGHT RUDDER WAS APPLIED. THE AIRCRAFT THEN SWERVED TO THE RIGHT AND FULL LEFT RUDDER AND FORWARD STICK WERE APPLIED. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE LEFT WING STRUCK THE GROUND AND THE AIRCRAFT NOSED DOWN.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:45 PST
Nearest AirportCOLUMBIA (0nm N)
Runway29
Runway Length2600 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 120
Tail NumberN4085N
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorGlenn W Smith
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · C-85-12 · Reciprocating · 85
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 33 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind190° @ 10 kt, gusting 12 kt
Visibility30 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point64 F / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourceWIT

Appendix: Source Data