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 28, 2011 · Cessna 172F · N5613R
Smoketown, PA
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 28, 2011
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury)
Location
Smoketown, PA
Aircraft
Cessna 172F
Tail Number
N5613R
Operator
Otto John C
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA12CA053
The pilot reported that, while on final approach for landing, he descended the airplane too low and that the airplane's left wing contacted a tree. The airplane veered left and continued to descend before impacting the ground, resulting in substantial damage to both wings and the engine firewall. A postaccident examination of the airplane revealed no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies.
NTSB Probable Cause
Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Descent/approach/glide path-Not attained/maintained - C
Full Narrative
The pilot reported to a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector that, while on final approach for landing, he descended the airplane too low and the airplane's left wing contacted a tree. The airplane veered left and continued to descend before impacting the ground, resulting in substantial damage to both left and right wings and the engine firewall. The inspector's postaccident examination of the airplane revealed no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:40 EDT
Nearest AirportSmoketown Airport (0nm)
Runway10
Runway Length2400 ft
Runway Width50 ft
Flight Plan FiledUnknown
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftCessna 172F
Tail NumberN5613R
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorOtto John C
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsCont Motor · 0-300 SER · Reciprocating · 145
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 76 · Third Class · Serious
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind30° @ 3 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point46 / 28 C
Altimeter0
Observation Time14:53
Weather SourceWFAC