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
Featured Report

Loading…

Loading featured report…

Loading…
Open 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…

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 manufacturers

Airports

More airports

Operators

More operators

About

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

September 15, 2018 · Cessna A185 F · N573BV

Bullhead City, AZ

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 15, 2018
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury), 1 uninjured
Location
Bullhead City, AZ
Aircraft
Cessna A185 F (1973)
Tail Number
N573BV
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR18LA263

The pilot reported that, during the takeoff roll, the airplane was left of the runway centerline, and he made a “radical” correction to get back on course. After departing the runway, during the initial climb, he entered information into the fuel totalizer, and when he looked up momentarily, the airplane was in a left bank with rising terrain and powerlines ahead. Realizing that impact was imminent, the pilot added one notch of flaps and kept the wings level. The airplane impacted the ground near a ravine, resulting in substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. The pilot reported, and postaccident examination confirmed, no anomalies of the airplane or engine that would have precluded normal operation. It is likely that the pilot’s diverted attention during the initial climb resulted in impact with terrain.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s diverted attention during takeoff initial climb, which resulted in a collision with rising terrain.

Full Narrative

On September 15, 2018, about 1245 mountain standard time, a Cessna A185F airplane, N573BV, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Bullhead City, Arizona. The pilot received minor injuries and the passenger was seriously injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The pilot reported that, during the takeoff roll, the airplane was left of centerline, and he made a “radical” correction to get back on course. After departing the runway, during the initial climb, he entered information into the fuel totalizer, and when he looked up momentarily, the airplane was in a left bank with rising terrain and powerlines ahead of the airplane. Realizing that impact was imminent, the pilot added one notch of flaps and kept the wings level. The airplane impacted the ground near a ravine, resulting in substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. The pilot reported, and postaccident examination confirmed, no anomalies of the airplane or engine that would have precluded normal operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:45 MST
Nearest AirportLaughlin/Bullhead Intl (2nm SE)
Runway16
Runway Length8500 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna A185 F
Tail NumberN573BV
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental Motors · IO-520-D-23-B · Reciprocating · 310

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury), 1 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total2
Crew 1Age 71 · Third Class · Minor
Crew 2Age 67 · Serious

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind220° @ 5 kt
Visibility20 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point32 C
Altimeter29.76 inHg
Observation Time11:54
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data