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 15, 1985 · Piper J-3 · N41440

Chenango Bridge, NY

Overview

Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 15, 1985
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (1 serious injury, 1 minor injury)
Location
Chenango Bridge, NY
Aircraft
Piper J-3
Tail Number
N41440
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
NYC85LA237

ACCORDING TO THE PAX AFTER TAKEOFF THE AIRCRAFT CLIMBED TO ABOUT 300 FEET. THE PILOT THEN MADE A RIGHT TURN. DURING THE TURN THE PILOT YELLED OUT 'WE'RE LOSING IT, WE'RE LOSING IT.' AFTERWARDS THE AIRCRAFT DESCENDED AND IMPACTED THE GROUND. THE PAX DOES NOT RECALL A DECREASE IN ENGINE POWER. THE PILOT DOES NOT HAVE RECOLLECTION OF THE OCCURRENCE. EXAMINATION OF THE AIRCRAFT DID NOT DISCLOSE EVIDENCE OF MALFUNCTION. THE CARB HT WAS FOUND IN THE ON POSITION.

Full Narrative

ACCORDING TO THE PAX AFTER TAKEOFF THE AIRCRAFT CLIMBED TO ABOUT 300 FEET. THE PILOT THEN MADE A RIGHT TURN. DURING THE TURN THE PILOT YELLED OUT 'WE'RE LOSING IT, WE'RE LOSING IT.' AFTERWARDS THE AIRCRAFT DESCENDED AND IMPACTED THE GROUND. THE PAX DOES NOT RECALL A DECREASE IN ENGINE POWER. THE PILOT DOES NOT HAVE RECOLLECTION OF THE OCCURRENCE. EXAMINATION OF THE AIRCRAFT DID NOT DISCLOSE EVIDENCE OF MALFUNCTION. THE CARB HT WAS FOUND IN THE ON POSITION.

Flight

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

Aircraft

AircraftPiper J-3
Tail NumberN41440
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsTeledyne Cont · A-75 · Reciprocating · 75
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (1 serious injury, 1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 44 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind280° @ 13 kt
Visibility45 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 25000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point64 F / 0 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time17:51
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data