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
April 15, 2012 · Mooney M20B · N74518
Rosamond, CA
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 15, 2012
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Location
Rosamond, CA
Aircraft
Mooney M20B
Tail Number
N74518
Operator
Metzler Kevin W
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR12CA166
The engine lost power after takeoff and the pilot landed in a nearby field, where both wings collided with fence posts. The pilot reported that the left fuel tank was about 1/4 full and the right fuel tank was empty. He had the left fuel tank selected during start up and taxi. As he did his pre-takeoff engine run-up checks, he switched fuel tanks per his normal procedure but did not return the selector valve to the left tank prior to departure. Both wings sustained substantial damage during the accident sequence.
NTSB Probable Cause
A loss of engine power during takeoff due to fuel starvation as a result of the pilot’s selection of an empty fuel tank prior to departure.
Full Narrative
The engine lost power after takeoff, and the pilot landed in a nearby field. Both wings collided with fence posts. The pilot reported to a Federal Aviation Administration inspector that the left fuel tank was about 1/4-full, and the right fuel tank was empty. He had the left fuel tank selected on start up and taxi. As he did his pretakeoff run up checks, he switched fuel tanks per his normal procedure. He did not return the selector valve to the left tank prior to departure.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:30 PDT
Nearest AirportROSAMOND (1nm)
Runway26
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftMooney M20B
Tail NumberN74518
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorMetzler Kevin W
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360-A1A · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury Summary2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor2
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 50 · Third Class · Minor
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F / 30 C
Altimeter30.13 inHg
Observation Time20:56
Weather SourceWFAC