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
November 13, 2011 · Messerschmitt-Bolkow-Blohm BK 117 B-2 · N330SL
Carbondale, IL
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 13, 2011
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Carbondale, IL
Aircraft
Messerschmitt-Bolkow-Blohm BK 117 B-2
Tail Number
N330SL
Operator
Air Methods
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN12CA078
During an engine shutdown procedure following an emergency medical services flight, a main rotor blade sustained substantial damage when it contacted the left vertical stabilizer. The main rotor blade was broken near its root, and the tailboom and tail rotor driveshaft cover were dented. The local recorded wind was 25 knots gusting to 34 knots. The damage was consistent with the main rotor blade flapping with the gusty wind conditions and impacting the stabilizer. The operator reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions with the helicopter.
NTSB Probable Cause
The main rotor blade’s contact with the vertical stabilizer during the engine shutdown in strong, gusty wind conditions.
Full Narrative
During an engine shutdown procedure following an emergency medical services flight, a main rotor blade sustained substantial damage when it contacted the left vertical stabilizer. The main rotor blade broke near its root and the tailboom and tail rotor driveshaft cover were dented. The operator reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions with the helicopter. Local recorded winds were 190 degrees at 25 knots gusting to 34 knots.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time04:05 CST
Nearest AirportMemorial Hospital Of Carbondal (0nm)
Flight Plan FiledCvfr
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftMesserschmitt-Bolkow-Blohm BK 117 B-2
Tail NumberN330SL
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorAir Methods
Operating RulePart 135
Engines2
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsLycoming · LTS-101-750B1 · Turboshaft · 317 | Lycoming · LTS-101-750 · Turboshaft · 317
Seats7
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 64 · Second Class · None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightNight
Wind190° @ 25 kt, gusting 34 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingOvercast 2600 ft
Temperature / Dew Point61 F / 52
Altimeter29.73 inHg
Observation Time10:52
Weather SourceWFAC