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 8, 2022 · Eurocopter EC 130 B4 · N130WS
Waimea, HI
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 8, 2022
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury), 6 uninjured
Location
Waimea, HI
Aircraft
Eurocopter EC 130 B4 (2003)
Tail Number
N130WS
Operator
Sunshine Helicopters
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR23LA061
The pilot in the helicopter reported that, he turned final approach at about 100 ft above ground level and the helicopter started settling with power [entered vortex ring state]. The pilot attempted to stop the descent by applying collective and forward cyclic, but the helicopter subsequently landed hard and sustained substantial damage to the aft fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.
NTSB Probable Cause
The pilot's loss of helicopter control on approach to land due to entering a vortex ring state condition, which resulted in a hard landing.
Full Narrative
The pilot in the helicopter reported that, he turned final approach at about 100 ft above ground level and the helicopter started settling with power [entered vortex ring state]. The pilot attempted to stop the descent by applying collective and forward cyclic, but the helicopter subsequently landed hard and sustained substantial damage to the aft fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:42 HST
Nearest AirportHapuna Heliport (Private) (0nm N)
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftEurocopter EC 130 B4
Tail NumberN130WS
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorSunshine Helicopters
Operating RulePart 135
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsSafrea/Turbomeca · Arriel 2B1 · Turboshaft · 847
Seats7
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury), 6 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured6
Total7
Crew 1None
Crew 2None
Crew 3None
Crew 4Age 78 · Second Class · None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind80° @ 14 kt, gusting 34 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point59
Altimeter29.99 inHg
Observation Time16:22
Weather SourceWFAC