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
November 6, 1986 · Cessna 310Q · N510SU
Liberal, KS
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 6, 1986
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 fatality)
Location
Liberal, KS
Aircraft
Cessna 310Q
Tail Number
N510SU
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
MKC87FA015
THE ACFT IMPACTED THE TERRAIN JUST OFF THE DEPARTURE END OF RWY 17 AT LIBERAL, KS, WHILE ON A RETURN FLT TO TEXAS. DARK NIGHT CONDITONS PREVAILED AND NO HORIZON VISUAL CUE WERE AVAILABLE SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF. RELIANCE ON FLT ATTITUDE INSTRUMENTS WOULD HAVE BEEN REQUIRED TO MAINTAIN NORMAL DEPARTURE ATTITUDES. EXAM OF THE ACFT FAILED TO REVEAL ANY FAILURE OF THE ENGS, AIRFRAME, FLT CONTROLS, OR FLT ATTITUDE INSTRUMENTS. THE PRIVATE PILOT WAS NOT INSTRUMENT RATED. NO RECORDS WERE AVAILABLE TO DETERMINE HIS FLIGHT TIME.
Full Narrative
THE ACFT IMPACTED THE TERRAIN JUST OFF THE DEPARTURE END OF RWY 17 AT LIBERAL, KS, WHILE ON A RETURN FLT TO TEXAS. DARK NIGHT CONDITONS PREVAILED AND NO HORIZON VISUAL CUE WERE AVAILABLE SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF. RELIANCE ON FLT ATTITUDE INSTRUMENTS WOULD HAVE BEEN REQUIRED TO MAINTAIN NORMAL DEPARTURE ATTITUDES. EXAM OF THE ACFT FAILED TO REVEAL ANY FAILURE OF THE ENGS, AIRFRAME, FLT CONTROLS, OR FLT ATTITUDE INSTRUMENTS. THE PRIVATE PILOT WAS NOT INSTRUMENT RATED. NO RECORDS WERE AVAILABLE TO DETERMINE HIS FLIGHT TIME.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time20:00 MST
Nearest AirportLiberal Muni (0nm N)
Runway17
Runway Length7100 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftCessna 310Q
Tail NumberN510SU
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
Operating RulePart 91
Engines2
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · IO-520-E · Reciprocating · 285
Seats6
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 fatality)
Fatal1
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 54 · Unknown
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDark Night
Wind210° @ 4 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point45 C / 41 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time02:50
Weather SourceWFAC