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
October 6, 1985 · Piper PA-38-112 · N24126
Paradise, CA
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 6, 1985
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 fatalities)
Location
Paradise, CA
Aircraft
Piper PA-38-112
Tail Number
N24126
Operator
Peter Potter Pilot Service
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
LAX86FA002
AFTER TAKEOFF, FOR AN AFLIGHT ORENTATION, THE HIGH TIME (OVER 2 4000 FLT HOURS) PILOT DESCENDED TO AN ALTITUDE OF APPROX. 300 OVER A LAKE. THE PILOT WAS THEN FLYING UP A TWISTING ARM OF THE LAKE, IN MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN INTO UNMARKED ELECTRICAL TRANSMISSION WIRES THAT CROSS THE LAKE. AFTER THE WIRE STRIKE ON THE RIGHT ELEVATOR THE AIRCRAFT REVERSED COURSE ROLLED INVERTED AN IMPACTED THE GROUND ON THE SHORE LINE.
Full Narrative
AFTER TAKEOFF, FOR AN AFLIGHT ORENTATION, THE HIGH TIME (OVER 2 4000 FLT HOURS) PILOT DESCENDED TO AN ALTITUDE OF APPROX. 300 OVER A LAKE. THE PILOT WAS THEN FLYING UP A TWISTING ARM OF THE LAKE, IN MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN INTO UNMARKED ELECTRICAL TRANSMISSION WIRES THAT CROSS THE LAKE. AFTER THE WIRE STRIKE ON THE RIGHT ELEVATOR THE AIRCRAFT REVERSED COURSE ROLLED INVERTED AN IMPACTED THE GROUND ON THE SHORE LINE.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time18:30 PDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-38-112
Tail NumberN24126
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
OperatorPeter Potter Pilot Service
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-235-L2C · Reciprocating · 112
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury Summary2 injuries (2 fatalities)
Fatal2
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 58 · First Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind130° @ 5 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point55
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time00:51
Weather SourceWFAC