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
July 16, 2014 · Cessna 120 · N76097
Midland, MI
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 16, 2014
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Midland, MI
Aircraft
Cessna 120 (1946)
Tail Number
N76097
Operator
Kepner Charles M
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN14CA370
The pilot reported that he kept the airspeed to a minimum while on short final because he intended to conduct a short field landing. He reported that as the tailwheel equipped airplane cleared the trees on the approach end of the runway, a "significant sink rate" developed. The pilot applied power, but it was insufficient to arrest the descent rate. The airplane landed hard on the main wheels and the propeller impacted the grass runway. The airplane nosed over during the landing roll which resulted in substantial damage to the firewall and empennage. The pilot reported that there was no malfunction or system failure of the airplane before the accident.
NTSB Probable Cause
The pilot's failure to maintain sufficient airspeed and his delayed application of engine power while on short final which resulted in a hard landing.
Full Narrative
The pilot reported that he kept the airspeed to a minimum while on short final because he intended to conduct a short field landing. He reported that as the tailwheel equipped airplane cleared the trees on the approach end of the runway, a "significant sink rate" developed. The pilot applied power, but it was insufficient to arrest the descent rate. The airplane landed hard on the main wheels and the propeller impacted the grass runway. The airplane nosed over during the landing roll which resulted in substantial damage to the firewall and empennage. The pilot reported that there was no malfunction or system failure of the airplane before the accident.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:15 EDT
Nearest AirportPRIVATE (0nm N)
Runway270
Runway Length3500 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftCessna 120
Tail NumberN76097
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorKepner Charles M
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsCont Motor · C85 SERIES · Reciprocating · 85
Seats3
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 44 · Third Class · None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind250° @ 5 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingOvercast 6500 ft
Temperature / Dew Point66 F / 52
Altimeter29.95 inHg
Observation Time20:25
Weather SourceWFAC