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 19, 1984 · Piper PA-12 · N78449
Theodore River, AK
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 19, 1984
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Theodore River, AK
Aircraft
Piper PA-12
Tail Number
N78449
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ANC85LA008
THE ACFT CRASHED DURING A GO-AROUND ATTEMPT AT THEODORE RIVER LOCATED 35 MILES SOUTHWEST OF ANCHORAGE, AK. ACCORDING TO THE PLT, AFTER LANDING ON A GRAVEL OIL PAD HE REALIZED THAT THE ACFT WOULD NOT STOP BEFORE GOING OVER THE EDGE INTO A SWAMP. HE APPLIED POWER BUT THE MAIN GEAR STRUCK A STUMP AND THE ACFT SETTLED INTO THE MUD. THE PLT STATED THAT HE KNEW THE ACFT BRAKES MAY NOT HAVE BEEN ABLE TO STOP THE ACFT DUE TO THEIR WORN CONDITION.
Full Narrative
THE ACFT CRASHED DURING A GO-AROUND ATTEMPT AT THEODORE RIVER LOCATED 35 MILES SOUTHWEST OF ANCHORAGE, AK. ACCORDING TO THE PLT, AFTER LANDING ON A GRAVEL OIL PAD HE REALIZED THAT THE ACFT WOULD NOT STOP BEFORE GOING OVER THE EDGE INTO A SWAMP. HE APPLIED POWER BUT THE MAIN GEAR STRUCK A STUMP AND THE ACFT SETTLED INTO THE MUD. THE PLT STATED THAT HE KNEW THE ACFT BRAKES MAY NOT HAVE BEEN ABLE TO STOP THE ACFT DUE TO THEIR WORN CONDITION.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:30 AKDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-12
Tail NumberN78449
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360 · Reciprocating · 180
Seats3
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 37 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind360° @ 5 kt
Visibility30 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO