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
May 31, 2010 · Cessna 172N · N6371D
Sterling, MA
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 31, 2010
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (3 uninjured)
Location
Sterling, MA
Aircraft
Cessna 172N
Tail Number
N6371D
Operator
Savard Paula K
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA10CA289
The pilot entered the traffic pattern for runway 34 based on the prevailing wind. She observed the wind sock change to favor runway 16 and in response she maneuvered the airplane for a runway 16 landing. The wind changed direction again to favor runway 34 and she maneuvered the airplane to that runway. She thought the airplane was too high over the touchdown zone and elected to perform a go-around. The passenger in the right seat panicked and started screaming, so the pilot discontinued the go-around, closed the throttle, and the airplane settled into the trees past the runway’s end. The airplane sustained structural damage to the wings and fuselage. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane.
NTSB Probable Cause
The pilot’s decision to not continue with the go-around, which resulted in a collision with trees. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s distraction due to the passenger’s panicked condition.
Full Narrative
The pilot entered the traffic pattern for runway 34 based on prevailing winds. She observed the wind sock change to favor runway 16, so she began to maneuver the airplane for a runway 16 landing. The winds again changed direction to favor runway 34. While on final approach for runway 34, she found herself too high over the touchdown zone, so she executed a go-around. A passenger in the right seat panicked and started screaming, so the pilot discontinued the go-around, closed the throttle, and the airplane settled into the trees past the runway end. Structural damage to the wings and fuselage resulted. The pilot reported no mechanical anomalies with the airplane.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:30 EDT
Nearest AirportSterling Airport (0nm)
Runway34
Runway Length3086 ft
Runway Width40 ft
Flight Plan FiledVfif
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftCessna 172N
Tail NumberN6371D
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorSavard Paula K
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-H20D · Reciprocating · 160
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (3 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured3
Total3
Crew 1Age 66 · Third Class · None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind170° @ 10 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point54
Altimeter29.92 inHg
Observation Time19:52
Weather SourceWFAC