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
April 22, 1985 · Cessna 172N · N739DA
Fort Myers, FL
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 22, 1985
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Fort Myers, FL
Aircraft
Cessna 172N
Tail Number
N739DA
Operator
Douglas R Reich
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
MIA85LA154
PLT STATED THAT ON TAKEOFF GROUND RUN FROM A TURF RUNWAY HE FELT SEVERE VIBRATION IN THE NOSE GEAR AND LIFTED IT OFF THE GROUND. AS HE DID HE THOUGHT HE FELT A LOSS OF ENGINE POWER AN ABORTED THE TAKEOFF. BEFORE THE AIRCRAFT COULD BE STOPPED IT OVERRAN THE RUNWAY INTO THE GULF OF MEXICO. POST CRASH INSPECTION OF THE AIRCRAFTS NOSE GEAR AND ENGINE REVEALED NO EVIDENCE OF PRECRASH MECHANICAL FAILURE OR MALFUNCTION. THE AIRPORT OPERATOR STATED THAT THE WINDS WERE OUT OF THE WEST AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT AND THAT THE FLIGHT DEPARTED TO EAST. WIND WERE APPROXIMATELY 10 KNOTS, AND THIS WOULD HAVE GIVEN THE FLIGHT A 10 KNOT TAILWIND AT DEPARTURE. PROPER SOFTFIELD TAKEOFF TECHNIQUE WAS NOT USED.
Full Narrative
PLT STATED THAT ON TAKEOFF GROUND RUN FROM A TURF RUNWAY HE FELT SEVERE VIBRATION IN THE NOSE GEAR AND LIFTED IT OFF THE GROUND. AS HE DID HE THOUGHT HE FELT A LOSS OF ENGINE POWER AN ABORTED THE TAKEOFF. BEFORE THE AIRCRAFT COULD BE STOPPED IT OVERRAN THE RUNWAY INTO THE GULF OF MEXICO. POST CRASH INSPECTION OF THE AIRCRAFTS NOSE GEAR AND ENGINE REVEALED NO EVIDENCE OF PRECRASH MECHANICAL FAILURE OR MALFUNCTION. THE AIRPORT OPERATOR STATED THAT THE WINDS WERE OUT OF THE WEST AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT AND THAT THE FLIGHT DEPARTED TO EAST. WIND WERE APPROXIMATELY 10 KNOTS, AND THIS WOULD HAVE GIVEN THE FLIGHT A 10 KNOT TAILWIND AT DEPARTURE. PROPER SOFTFIELD TAKEOFF TECHNIQUE WAS NOT USED.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:30 EST
Nearest AirportSEAIR (0nm N)
Runway9
Runway Length2200 ft
Runway Width65 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftCessna 172N
Tail NumberN739DA
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorDouglas R Reich
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-H2AD · Reciprocating · 160
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 48 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind90° @ 14 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 4100 ft
Temperature / Dew Point64 F
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time21:49
Weather SourceWFAC