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
February 16, 1982 · Piper PA-28-151 · N44710
Des Moines, IA
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 16, 1982
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Des Moines, IA
Aircraft
Piper PA-28-151
Tail Number
N44710
Operator
Webster City Iron & Metal
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
MKC82DA033
THE AIRCRAFT HAD NOT BEEN REFUELED AFTER A PREVIOUS FLIGHT OF ABOUT ONE HOUR. THE PILOT VISUALLY CHECKED THE FUEL AND ESTIMATED 41 GALLONS REMAINING. HE BELIEVED THAT HE HAD ABOUT 5.2 HOURS OF FUEL. DURING AN IFR FLIGHT, HE DIVERTED FOR AN ENROUTE FUEL STOP WITH WHAT HE THOUGHT WAS MORE THAN SUFFICIENT FUEL. HOWEVER, THE ENGINE STOPPED OPERATING ABOUT 4.5 MILES FROM THE AIRPORT. THE PILOT MAKE A FORCED LANDING ON AN INTERSTATE HIGHWAY AFTER ABOUT 4.3 HOURS OF FLIGHT TIME. DURING THE LANDING ROLL, THE WINGS HIT METAL REFLECTORS AT THE END OF A BRIDGE. AN INVESTIGATION REVEALED BOTH FUEL TANKS WERE EMPTY. THE PILOT STATED THAT HE HAD A CONSIDERABLE AMOUNT OF TIME IN THE PIPER PA-28, BUT HIS TIME IN A WARRIOR WAS MORE LIMITED.
Full Narrative
THE AIRCRAFT HAD NOT BEEN REFUELED AFTER A PREVIOUS FLIGHT OF ABOUT ONE HOUR. THE PILOT VISUALLY CHECKED THE FUEL AND ESTIMATED 41 GALLONS REMAINING. HE BELIEVED THAT HE HAD ABOUT 5.2 HOURS OF FUEL. DURING AN IFR FLIGHT, HE DIVERTED FOR AN ENROUTE FUEL STOP WITH WHAT HE THOUGHT WAS MORE THAN SUFFICIENT FUEL. HOWEVER, THE ENGINE STOPPED OPERATING ABOUT 4.5 MILES FROM THE AIRPORT. THE PILOT MAKE A FORCED LANDING ON AN INTERSTATE HIGHWAY AFTER ABOUT 4.3 HOURS OF FLIGHT TIME. DURING THE LANDING ROLL, THE WINGS HIT METAL REFLECTORS AT THE END OF A BRIDGE. AN INVESTIGATION REVEALED BOTH FUEL TANKS WERE EMPTY. THE PILOT STATED THAT HE HAD A CONSIDERABLE AMOUNT OF TIME IN THE PIPER PA-28, BUT HIS TIME IN A WARRIOR WAS MORE LIMITED.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time18:30 CST
Nearest AirportDes Moines Muni (0nm N)
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-28-151
Tail NumberN44710
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorWebster City Iron & Metal
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-E3D · Reciprocating · 150
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 39 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsIMC
LightDark Night
Wind130° @ 3 kt
Visibility2 sm
CeilingOvercast 12000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point10 C / 0 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time18:29