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
June 20, 1982 · Piper PA-18-150 · N6879B
Sandy Hook Beac, NJ
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 20, 1982
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury)
Location
Sandy Hook Beac, NJ
Aircraft
Piper PA-18-150
Tail Number
N6879B
Operator
Aerial Advertising Agency
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
NYC82FHM07
THE PILOT REPORTED THAT WHILE HE WAS TOWING A BANNER, THE ENGINE RPM BEGAN TO DECREASE. HE INITIATED EMERGENCY PROCEDURES, BUT COULD NOT RESTORE THE POWER. THE PLANE WAS MANEUVERED FOR A FORCED LANDING ON A BEACH. THE PLANE CRASHED ON THE BEACH WHILE THE PILOT WAS TURNING TO AVOID PEOPLE AND DRIFTWOOD. DURING AN INVESTIGATION, THE NO. 3 CYLINDER HAD NO COMPRESSION WHEN IT WAS CHECKED. SIGNIFICANT LEAD DEPOSITS WERE FOUND ON THE STEM OF THE NO. 3 EXHAUST VALVE AND ON ITS VALVE SEAT. THE FACE OF THE VALVE WAS MAKING CONTACT WITH ONLY ABOUT 60 PERCENT OF THE SEAT.
Full Narrative
THE PILOT REPORTED THAT WHILE HE WAS TOWING A BANNER, THE ENGINE RPM BEGAN TO DECREASE. HE INITIATED EMERGENCY PROCEDURES, BUT COULD NOT RESTORE THE POWER. THE PLANE WAS MANEUVERED FOR A FORCED LANDING ON A BEACH. THE PLANE CRASHED ON THE BEACH WHILE THE PILOT WAS TURNING TO AVOID PEOPLE AND DRIFTWOOD. DURING AN INVESTIGATION, THE NO. 3 CYLINDER HAD NO COMPRESSION WHEN IT WAS CHECKED. SIGNIFICANT LEAD DEPOSITS WERE FOUND ON THE STEM OF THE NO. 3 EXHAUST VALVE AND ON ITS VALVE SEAT. THE FACE OF THE VALVE WAS MAKING CONTACT WITH ONLY ABOUT 60 PERCENT OF THE SEAT.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:40 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-18-150
Tail NumberN6879B
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorAerial Advertising Agency
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320 · Reciprocating · 160
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 38 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind280° @ 9 kt
Visibility5 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0