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 12, 2018 · Cessna 185 D · N62882
Brooks Range, AK
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 12, 2018
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Brooks Range, AK
Aircraft
Cessna 185 D (1965)
Tail Number
N62882
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA18CA488
The pilot in the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that he took off from an off-airport unimproved, gravel surface. He recalled that the airplane climbed to about 300 ft before it encountered a "severe downdraft." The airplane subsequently descended and impacted a creek bed, and the main landing gear separated from the airframe. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the foremost fuselage bulkhead and stringers. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot reported that the wind at the accident site was from 230° at 25 knots, gusting to 30 knots and that he was landing to the southwest.
NTSB Probable Cause
The airplane's encounter with downdraft conditions during takeoff, which resulted in a subsequent loss of altitude and collision with terrain.
Full Narrative
The pilot in the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that he took off from an off-airport unimproved gravel surface. He recalled that the airplane climbed and was airborne for about 300ft before it encountered a "severe downdraft." The airplane impacted a creek bed and the main landing gear separated from the airframe. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the foremost fuselage bulkhead and stringers. The pilot reported that the wind at the accident site was from 230 degrees at 25 knots with gusts to 30 knots, and that he was landing to the southwest. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time07:00 AKDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftCessna 185 D
Tail NumberN62882
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · IO-470-F · Reciprocating · 260
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 30 · First Class · None
Crew 2First Class · None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind40° @ 7 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingOvercast 11000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point48 / 41 C
Altimeter29.79 inHg
Observation Time14:56
Weather SourceWFAC