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 4, 1985 · Mooney M20K · N231KB
Spring Hill, KS
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 4, 1985
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Spring Hill, KS
Aircraft
Mooney M20K
Tail Number
N231KB
Operator
James J Karnes
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
MKC86LA021
THE PILOT OF THIS AIRCRAFT WAS RETURNING FROM A BUSINESS FLIGHT WHEN THE ENGINE FAILED. DURING THE FORCED LANDING, THE AIRCRAFT ROLLED THROUGH A FENCE AND THEN IMPACTED A POLE WITH ONE WING. THE PILOT STATED THAT ONE CONNECTING ROD CAME THROUGH THE SIDE OF THE ENGINE AND A ROD CAP WAS FOUND OUTSIDE OF THE ENGINE. THE PILOT LISTED TOTAL TIME 1800 ON THE ENGINE AND 1150 HOURS ON THE BROKEN PARTS. ENGINE TEARDOWN AND INSPECTION DID NOT REVEAL THE ORIGIN OF THE FAILURE.
Full Narrative
THE PILOT OF THIS AIRCRAFT WAS RETURNING FROM A BUSINESS FLIGHT WHEN THE ENGINE FAILED. DURING THE FORCED LANDING, THE AIRCRAFT ROLLED THROUGH A FENCE AND THEN IMPACTED A POLE WITH ONE WING. THE PILOT STATED THAT ONE CONNECTING ROD CAME THROUGH THE SIDE OF THE ENGINE AND A ROD CAP WAS FOUND OUTSIDE OF THE ENGINE. THE PILOT LISTED TOTAL TIME 1800 ON THE ENGINE AND 1150 HOURS ON THE BROKEN PARTS. ENGINE TEARDOWN AND INSPECTION DID NOT REVEAL THE ORIGIN OF THE FAILURE.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time21:00 CST
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftMooney M20K
Tail NumberN231KB
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorJames J Karnes
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · TS10-360-GB · Reciprocating · 210
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 36 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDark Night
Wind90° @ 6 kt
Visibility25 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point50 / 0 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time02:50
Weather SourceWFAC