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

November 8, 1983 · Cessna 310L · N3256X

Bartlesville, OK

Overview

Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 8, 1983
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 fatalities)
Location
Bartlesville, OK
Aircraft
Cessna 310L
Tail Number
N3256X
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
FTW84FA045

THE ACFT WAS OBSERVED AT 300-500 FT ON A DOWNWIND LEG OVER THE BRIGHTLY LIGHTED CITY. AFTER PASSING THE CITY THE ACFT ENTERED A VERY DARK & HILLY AREA IMMEDIATELY NORTH OF THE CITY. HE THEN MADE A LEFT TURN ONTO BASE LEG & REMAINED OVER UNLIGHTED & HILLY TERRAIN. SHORTLY THEREAFTER THE PLT CONTACTED THE TOWER & STATED HE WAS TURNING FROM BASE TO FINAL. ABOUT 20 SECS LATER THE TOWER OPERATOR OBSERVED A BRIGHT ORANGE FLASH ABOUT 3 MI NORTH OF THE ARPT & EAST OF AN EXTENDEDCENTERLINE OF RWY 17.

Full Narrative

THE ACFT WAS OBSERVED AT 300-500 FT ON A DOWNWIND LEG OVER THE BRIGHTLY LIGHTED CITY. AFTER PASSING THE CITY THE ACFT ENTERED A VERY DARK & HILLY AREA IMMEDIATELY NORTH OF THE CITY. HE THEN MADE A LEFT TURN ONTO BASE LEG & REMAINED OVER UNLIGHTED & HILLY TERRAIN. SHORTLY THEREAFTER THE PLT CONTACTED THE TOWER & STATED HE WAS TURNING FROM BASE TO FINAL. ABOUT 20 SECS LATER THE TOWER OPERATOR OBSERVED A BRIGHT ORANGE FLASH ABOUT 3 MI NORTH OF THE ARPT & EAST OF AN EXTENDEDCENTERLINE OF RWY 17.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time19:00 CST
Nearest AirportFrank Phillips (3nm N)
Runway17
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 310L
Tail NumberN3256X
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
Operating RulePart 91
Engines2
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · IO-470-V09A · Reciprocating · 260
Seats6

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (2 fatalities)
Fatal2
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 55 · First Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDark Night
Wind200° @ 6 kt
Visibility4 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point55 / 52
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time01:15
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data