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
December 10, 2018 · Zlin Z143 L · N143GW
Chester, CT
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 10, 2018
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Chester, CT
Aircraft
Zlin Z143 L (2001)
Tail Number
N143GW
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA19CA091
The pilot reported that, during the initial engine start, he "cranked the engine several times," but the engine would not start. He then pumped the throttle about six times, and in a "split second," the engine surged to full rpm. He added that, despite fully applying the brakes, the airplane crossed over a ridge and went down an embankment. Subsequently, the airplane entered a parking lot, the left wing struck a lamp post, the airplane spun left, and it impacted another lamp post. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings, the fuselage, and the empennage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
NTSB Probable Cause
Environmental issues-Physical environment-Terrain-Sloped/uneven terrain-Contributed to outcome
Full Narrative
The pilot reported that during the initial engine start, he "cranked the engine several times", but the engine would not start. He then pumped the throttle about 6 times, and in a "split second" the engine surged to full RPM. He added that despite having the brakes fully applied, the airplane crossed over a ridge and down an embankment. Subsequently, the airplane entered a parking lot, the left wing struck a lamp post, the airplane spun left, and impacted a second lamp post. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings, fuselage, and empennage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:45 EST
Nearest AirportCHESTER (0nm ESE)
Flight Plan FiledUnknown
Flight Plan ActivatedUnknown
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftZlin Z143 L
Tail NumberN143GW
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-540-J3A5 · Reciprocating · 235
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 78 · Third Class · None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind350° @ 5 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point25 C / 16 C
Altimeter30.05 inHg
Observation Time10:55
Weather SourceWFAC