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
July 7, 1985 · Burch Pitts S-1 · N42RB
Houghton Lake, MI
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 7, 1985
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Houghton Lake, MI
Aircraft
Burch Pitts S-1
Tail Number
N42RB
Operator
Robert J Burch
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI85LA277
THE ACFT NOSED DOWN FOLLOWING A GROUND LOOP DURING A LANDING ROLL. THE PLT REPORTED THE TAILWHEEL BEGAN TO SHIMMY, DIRECTIONAL CONTROL OF THE ACFT WAS LOST AND IT GROUND LOOPED TO THE RIGHT. THE ACFT TRAVELED APRX 10 FT OFF THE RWY WHERE THE LEFT WING DUG INTO THE TERRAIN AND THE ACFT NOSED DOWN. POST ACCIDENT INSPECTION REVEALED THE TAILWHEEL STEERING SPRINGS WERE DISCONNECTED AND THE WHEEL HAD COME LOOSE FROM THE HUB.
Full Narrative
THE ACFT NOSED DOWN FOLLOWING A GROUND LOOP DURING A LANDING ROLL. THE PLT REPORTED THE TAILWHEEL BEGAN TO SHIMMY, DIRECTIONAL CONTROL OF THE ACFT WAS LOST AND IT GROUND LOOPED TO THE RIGHT. THE ACFT TRAVELED APRX 10 FT OFF THE RWY WHERE THE LEFT WING DUG INTO THE TERRAIN AND THE ACFT NOSED DOWN. POST ACCIDENT INSPECTION REVEALED THE TAILWHEEL STEERING SPRINGS WERE DISCONNECTED AND THE WHEEL HAD COME LOOSE FROM THE HUB.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time08:55 EDT
Nearest AirportRoscommon (0nm N)
Runway27
Runway Length4000 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftBurch Pitts S-1
Tail NumberN42RB
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorRobert J Burch
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · AEIO-360-B4A · Reciprocating · 180
Seats1
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 57 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind10° @ 3 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point57 / 46
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time12:54
Weather SourceWFAC