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

September 30, 1985 · Cessna 172 · N6525J

Montauk, NY

Overview

Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 30, 1985
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Montauk, NY
Aircraft
Cessna 172
Tail Number
N6525J
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
NYC85FHJ04

THE CESSNA 172 WAS CRUISING 3000 FT OFF SHORE AT 600 FT AGL OVER THE OCEAN. THE ENGINE WAS AT 1900 RPM WITH THE CARBURATOR HEAT ON WHEN THE AIRCRAFT EXPERIENCED A POWER FAILURE. THE FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR MADE AN EMERGENCY LANDING ON A BEACH. UPON TOUCH DOWN THE LEFT WING STRUCK A ROCK AND THE AIRCRAFT SWERVED INTO THE OCEAN. THE PILOT AND FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR EXITED THE AIRCRAFT UNINJURED. THE AIRCRAFT RECEIVED SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE. ON SITE EXAMINATION OF THE AIRCRAFT SHOWED IT HAD USABLE FUEL IN BOTH TANKS AND THE CAUSE OF THE ENGINE FAILURE WAS UNDETERMINED.

Full Narrative

THE CESSNA 172 WAS CRUISING 3000 FT OFF SHORE AT 600 FT AGL OVER THE OCEAN. THE ENGINE WAS AT 1900 RPM WITH THE CARBURATOR HEAT ON WHEN THE AIRCRAFT EXPERIENCED A POWER FAILURE. THE FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR MADE AN EMERGENCY LANDING ON A BEACH. UPON TOUCH DOWN THE LEFT WING STRUCK A ROCK AND THE AIRCRAFT SWERVED INTO THE OCEAN. THE PILOT AND FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR EXITED THE AIRCRAFT UNINJURED. THE AIRCRAFT RECEIVED SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE. ON SITE EXAMINATION OF THE AIRCRAFT SHOWED IT HAD USABLE FUEL IN BOTH TANKS AND THE CAUSE OF THE ENGINE FAILURE WAS UNDETERMINED.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:30 EDT
Nearest AirportMacarthur (0nm N)
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 172
Tail NumberN6525J
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320 · Reciprocating · 160
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 24 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind230° @ 14 kt
Visibility8 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point54 / 0 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time13:50
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data