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
August 28, 2012 · Piper PA-18-150 · N4316Z
Delta Junction, AK
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 28, 2012
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Delta Junction, AK
Aircraft
Piper PA-18-150
Tail Number
N4316Z
Operator
Richard T Gardner
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ANC12CA094
The pilot reported he was landing a tailwheel-equipped airplane on a rough and uneven, brush-covered, airstrip. Before beginning the approach, he determined the wind direction and a touchdown point. However, after landing, the right main tire dropped into a hole, the tailwheel impacted brush and small stumps, and the airplane nosed over, resulting in substantial damage to the rudder, lift struts, and wings. Upon exiting the airplane, the pilot realized he had identified the wrong touchdown point and landed short of the airstrip. The pilot indicated there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.
NTSB Probable Cause
The pilot’s failure to identify the appropriate touchdown point, which resulted in a nose over.
Full Narrative
The pilot reported he was landing a tailwheel-equipped airplane on a rough and uneven, brush covered, airstrip. Before beginning his approach, he determined the wind direction and a touchdown point. Upon landing the right main tire dropped into a hidden hole, and the tailwheel simultaneously impacted brush and small stumps, and the airplane nosed-over. During the nose over, the rudder, lift struts, and wings sustained substantial damage. Upon exiting the airplane the pilot realized he had identified the wrong touchdown point, and landed short of the airstrip. The pilot indicated there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:15 AKDT
Nearest AirportSlate Creek (0nm)
Runway35
Flight Plan FiledUnknown
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-18-150
Tail NumberN4316Z
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorRichard T Gardner
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320 SERIES · Reciprocating · 180
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 51 · Third Class · None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind270° @ 8 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingOvercast 4000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point45 C / 36 C
Altimeter30.18 inHg
Weather SourcePILO