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
May 17, 1985 · Piper PA-31-350 · N3548V
Potsdam, NY
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 17, 1985
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Potsdam, NY
Aircraft
Piper PA-31-350
Tail Number
N3548V
Operator
Sair Aviation
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
NYC85LA126
THE PILOT RECEIVED A WEATHER BREIFING AND FILED AN IFR FLIGHT PLAN WITH MASSENA FLIGHT SERVICE STATION. THE FLIGHT WAS UNEVENTFUL AND THE AIRCRAFT WAS CLEARED FOR THE NDB APPROACH AT POTSDAM BY BOSTON CENTER. WHEN THE AIRPORT WAS IN SIGHT, THE PILOT CNACELLED THE FLIGHT PLAN AND PROCEEDED VFR TO THE AIRPORT. ACCORDING TO THE PILOT, THE LANDING CHECKLIST WAS STARTED AND THE FLAPS EXTENDED TO 25 DEGREES. AS N3548V CROSSED THE THRESHOLD, THE STALL WARNING HORN SOUNDED AND THE PILOT CHECK ALL CONTROLS PHYSICALLY. ACCORDING TO THE PILOT, THE LANDING GEAR HANDLE WAS ALSO CHECKED. SHORTLY BEFORE THE AIRCRAFT CONTACTING THE RUNWAY,THE LANDING GEAR WARNING HORN SOUNDED.
Full Narrative
THE PILOT RECEIVED A WEATHER BREIFING AND FILED AN IFR FLIGHT PLAN WITH MASSENA FLIGHT SERVICE STATION. THE FLIGHT WAS UNEVENTFUL AND THE AIRCRAFT WAS CLEARED FOR THE NDB APPROACH AT POTSDAM BY BOSTON CENTER. WHEN THE AIRPORT WAS IN SIGHT, THE PILOT CNACELLED THE FLIGHT PLAN AND PROCEEDED VFR TO THE AIRPORT. ACCORDING TO THE PILOT, THE LANDING CHECKLIST WAS STARTED AND THE FLAPS EXTENDED TO 25 DEGREES. AS N3548V CROSSED THE THRESHOLD, THE STALL WARNING HORN SOUNDED AND THE PILOT CHECK ALL CONTROLS PHYSICALLY. ACCORDING TO THE PILOT, THE LANDING GEAR HANDLE WAS ALSO CHECKED. SHORTLY BEFORE THE AIRCRAFT CONTACTING THE RUNWAY,THE LANDING GEAR WARNING HORN SOUNDED.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time08:49 EDT
Nearest AirportPotsdam Municipal (0nm N)
Runway24
Runway Length3100 ft
Runway Width60 ft
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-31-350
Tail NumberN3548V
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorSair Aviation
Operating RulePart 135
Engines2
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · TI0-540-J2BD · Reciprocating · 350
Seats10
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 54 · First Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind200° @ 10 kt
Visibility5 sm
CeilingOvercast 7000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point63 F / 61 F
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time12:15
Weather SourceWFAC