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
November 24, 1985 · Mooney M20J · N201QN
Sarasota, FL
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 24, 1985
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 fatality)
Location
Sarasota, FL
Aircraft
Mooney M20J
Tail Number
N201QN
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
MIA86FA034
WITNESSES REPORTED THAT SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF FROM A TOUCH AND GO LANDING THE AIRCRAFTS ENGINE SPUTTERED AND QUIT COMPLETELY. AS THE PILOT WAS ATTEMPTING A FORCED LANDING THE AIRCRAFT STRUCK A TREE CAUSING THE PILOT TO LOSE CONTROL. THE AIRCRAFT STRUCK THE GROUND IN A RIGHT BANK NOSE LOW ATTITUDE AND CAME TO REST INVERTED. POST CRASH INSPECTION OF THE AIRCRAFTS ENGINE REVEALED THE ENGINES FUEL SYSTEM TO BE COMPLETLY FILLED WITH WATER. ADDITIONALLY IT WAS LEARNED THAT THE AIRCRAFT HAD SAT FOR THREE MONTHES PRIOR TO THE FLIGHT WITH APPR0XMATELY HALF FUEL TANKS. THE FUEL SUMP DRAINS IN THE AIRCRAFTS WINGS WERE FOUND RUSTED CLOSED AFTER THE ACCIDENT.
Full Narrative
WITNESSES REPORTED THAT SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF FROM A TOUCH AND GO LANDING THE AIRCRAFTS ENGINE SPUTTERED AND QUIT COMPLETELY. AS THE PILOT WAS ATTEMPTING A FORCED LANDING THE AIRCRAFT STRUCK A TREE CAUSING THE PILOT TO LOSE CONTROL. THE AIRCRAFT STRUCK THE GROUND IN A RIGHT BANK NOSE LOW ATTITUDE AND CAME TO REST INVERTED. POST CRASH INSPECTION OF THE AIRCRAFTS ENGINE REVEALED THE ENGINES FUEL SYSTEM TO BE COMPLETLY FILLED WITH WATER. ADDITIONALLY IT WAS LEARNED THAT THE AIRCRAFT HAD SAT FOR THREE MONTHES PRIOR TO THE FLIGHT WITH APPR0XMATELY HALF FUEL TANKS. THE FUEL SUMP DRAINS IN THE AIRCRAFTS WINGS WERE FOUND RUSTED CLOSED AFTER THE ACCIDENT.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:31 EST
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftMooney M20J
Tail NumberN201QN
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-360-A1B6D · Reciprocating · 200
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 fatality)
Fatal1
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 59 · First Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind280° @ 8 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time21:47
Weather SourceWFAC