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

December 8, 2022 · Boeing 767-322 · N649UA

Newark, NJ

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 8, 2022
Injury Outcomes
4 injuries (1 serious injury, 3 minor injuries), 175 uninjured
Location
Newark, NJ
Aircraft
Boeing 767-322 (1992)
Tail Number
N649UA
Operator
United Airlines
Injuries
Serious
NTSB Number
DCA23LA093

United Airlines flight 963 encountered convective turbulence while descending into Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), Newark, New Jersey. As a result of the turbulence, one flight attendant (FA) sustained serious injuries and three sustained minor injuries. The aircraft continued to its destination without further incident. The flight originated at Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER), Berlin, Germany. The flight crew reported that before initiating the descent, they briefed threats to the approach and arrival phase of the flight and noted pilot reports (PIREPs) in the area of light to moderate turbulence, including a turbulence report from a previous aircraft that had reported turbulence during the descent. The flight crew stated that the Purser was advised to expect turbulence during the descent, and they recommended that the cabin crew complete their duties sooner than normal. The seatbelt sign was illuminated for the descent. A significant meteorological information (SIGMET) for moderate turbulence was in effect between 20,000 and 30,000 ft altitude valid from 1200 -1600 local time across the area of the flight’s descent. A previous SIGMET had been in effect from 0900 – 1200 local time for the same altitude range. Additionally, there were numerous PIREPs of light and moderate turbulence between 21,000 and 29,000 ft across much of New York state into northern New Jersey in the hour before the accident. The flight crew stated that while level at 23,000 feet altitude and just past the Albany very high frequency omnidirectional range (VOR), they received clearance to descend to 16,000 ft altitude. They were clear of clouds in smooth air above a much lower broken layer of clouds. At 22,500 ft altitude, the airplane began an uncommanded roll to the right of about 45°, followed by an uncommanded roll to the left of about 45°. The pilot flying stated he corrected for the roll with aileron control and reduced thrust to slow the airplane below turbulence penetration speed. The Relief Officer made a “flight attendants take your jump seats” announcement, followed immediately by “flight attendants be seated immediately” announcement. The flight continued the descent in light to moderate turbulence for about a minute. After the event the Relief Officer asked the FAs to check in, the Purser reported that there were FAs with injuries in the aft galley in need of medical assistance. No passengers were injured. The flight crew contacted Newark operations via VHF to ensure that they were aware of the situation and to request that paramedics meet the airplane upon arrival. The flight landed at EWR uneventfully and an injured FA was transported to a local hospital and was diagnosed with a broken clavicle and punctured lung. .

NTSB Probable Cause

Environmental issues-Conditions/weather/phenomena-Turbulence-Clear air turbulence-Awareness of condition

Full Narrative

United Airlines flight 963 encountered convective turbulence while descending into Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), Newark, New Jersey. As a result of the turbulence, one flight attendant (FA) sustained serious injuries and three sustained minor injuries. The aircraft continued to its destination without further incident. The flight originated at Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER), Berlin, Germany. The flight crew reported that before initiating the descent, they briefed threats to the approach and arrival phase of the flight and noted pilot reports (PIREPs) in the area of light to moderate turbulence, including a turbulence report from a previous aircraft that had reported turbulence during the descent. The flight crew stated that the Purser was advised to expect turbulence during the descent, and they recommended that the cabin crew complete their duties sooner than normal. The seatbelt sign was illuminated for the descent. A significant meteorological information (SIGMET) for moderate turbulence was in effect between 20,000 and 30,000 ft altitude valid from 1200 -1600 local time across the area of the flight’s descent. A previous SIGMET had been in effect from 0900 – 1200 local time for the same altitude range. Additionally, there were numerous PIREPs of light and moderate turbulence between 21,000 and 29,000 ft across much of New York state into northern New Jersey in the hour before the accident. The flight crew stated that while level at 23,000 feet altitude and just past the Albany very high frequency omnidirectional range (VOR), they received clearance to descend to 16,000 ft altitude. They were clear of clouds in smooth air above a much lower broken layer of clouds. At 22,500 ft altitude, the airplane began an uncommanded roll to the right of about 45°, followed by an uncommanded roll to the left of about 45°. The pilot flying stated he corrected for the roll with aileron control and reduced thrust to slow the airplane below turbulence penetration speed. The Relief Officer made a “flight attendants take your jump seats” announcement, followed immediately by “flight attendants be seated immediately” announcement. The flight continued the descent in light to moderate turbulence for about a minute. After the event the Relief Officer asked the FAs to check in, the Purser reported that there were FAs with injuries in the aft galley in need of medical assistance. No passengers were injured. The flight crew contacted Newark operations via VHF to ensure that they were aware of the situation and to request that paramedics meet the airplane upon arrival. The flight landed at EWR uneventfully and an injured FA was transported to a local hospital and was diagnosed with a broken clavicle and punctured lung. .

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:11 EST
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Flight Plan ActivatedUnknown
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBoeing 767-322
Tail NumberN649UA
Aircraft CategoryAir
OperatorUnited Airlines
Operating RulePart 121
Engines2
Engine TypeTurbofan
Engine DetailsP & W · PW4060 · Turbofan · 60000 | P & W · PW4060 · Turbofan · 60000
Seats223

People & Injuries

Injury Summary4 injuries (1 serious injury, 3 minor injuries), 175 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor3
Uninjured175
Total179
Crew 1Age 50 · First Class · None
Crew 2Age 60 · First Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
CeilingBroken clouds 26000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point54 / 34 C
Altimeter30.22 inHg

Appendix: Source Data