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
September 23, 2020 · Cessna 172 N · N5439E
La Grange, NC
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 23, 2020
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
La Grange, NC
Aircraft
Cessna 172 N (1978)
Tail Number
N5439E
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA20LA336
The pilot stated that during short final approach to his private airstrip, a gust of wind blew his airplane left into trees, where it came to rest. The pilot added that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. Examination of the wreckage revealed substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. The wind was recorded as calm at an airport approximately 8 miles from the accident site, about 24 minutes after the accident.
NTSB Probable Cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during final approach, which resulted in a collision with trees.
Full Narrative
The pilot stated that during short final approach to his private airstrip, a gust of wind blew his airplane left into trees, where it came to rest. The pilot added that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. Examination of the wreckage revealed substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. The wind was recorded as calm at an airport approximately 8 miles from the accident site, about 24 minutes after the accident.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time19:30 EDT
Nearest AirportPRIVATE (1nm NE)
Runway23
Runway Length1800 ft
Runway Width60 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftCessna 172 N
Tail NumberN5439E
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-H · Reciprocating · 160
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 75 · Third Class · None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDusk
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point63 F / 59
Altimeter30.04 inHg
Observation Time19:56
Weather SourceWFAC