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How to Find Old Accident Reports for Civil Aircraft

You finally found a used airplane you want to purchase. The aircraft looks great and will meet all of your requirements. You want to know if the airplane has ever been in an accident before you begin your price negotiations. Federal law requires that the National Transportation Safety Board, or NTSB, be notified every time an aircraft receives substantial damage. The NTSB must also be notified if an airplane receives any damage that prevents continued safe operation. Accident reports on any civil aircraft are available via the Internet.

Instructions

- 1
  Obtain the aircraft's identifying information. This information includes the airplane's registration or tail number, manufacturer and model number. The aircraft's registration papers contain this data. Also look for this information on the aircraft's exterior. Search the fuselage's left side, specifically under the tail's horizontal stabilizer.
- 2
  Input the data into the NTSB's accident database. Access this database on the NTSB website. Enter additional data, such as specific states or dates, to further refine your search.
- 3
  Print the aircraft's accident reports. Take these reports, along with other relevant information, to the aircraft mechanic performing the pre-buy inspection. Ask the mechanic to inspect the aircraft for proper repair of the damaged areas. Use the results of the inspection to negotiate the final aircraft price.

Aviation