This dataset consists of information on aviation accidents and incidents reported to the Federal Aviation Administration. NICAR has records for accidents occurring between 1973 to present with weekly updates.

NICAR provides the data in two ways: As a one-time purchase or by one-year subscription, updated weekly.

The database goes beyond the NTSB accident database in that it also includes incidents, which are defined as "events that do not meet the aircraft damage or person injury thresholds contained in the NTSB definition of an accident." For example, the database contains reports of collisions between aircraft and birds while on approach to or departure from an airport. "Aircraft accident" means an occurrence associated with the operation of an aircraft which takes place between the time any person boards the aircraft with the intention of flight and until all such persons have disembarked, and in which any person suffers death or serious injury, or in which the aircraft receives substantial damage.

---

• Story No. 10624: Dateline NBC conducted a computer analysis of commuter airline safety and found widespread problems, including pilots falling asleep at the controls, and the FAA reduced the fines it imposed against commuter airlines. The series also investigated the differences in safety regulation between commuter planes and major airlines, showing how these can have an impact on safety, Nov. 15, 21, 1994.
• Story No. 12346: USA TODAY investigates the safety and longevity of passenger aircrafts. Experts seem to agree that older planes present no safety problem if maintenance is done right, and on time. The Federal Aviation Administration places no limit on how long a plane may fly. The main reason older planes aren't being replaced is a pocketbook matter. (July 5, 1995)
• Story No. 15813: The Wall Street Journal reports that "Incomplete incident reports allow patterns to escape the agency's attention..A string of engine failures... Backed by powerful computers, mountains of data and a small army of inspectors, the Federal Aviation Administration is supposed to spot and investigate ... patterns...To detect such trouble, the FAA increasingly relies on computers and databases of incident reports file by the carriers. But a review of those pivotal incident reports by the Wall Street Journal indicates that many are entered into the system with crucial data missing, and some are miscoded."

• Tipsheet No. 1681: Great source of information when trying to cover a plane crash. Includes what to do when it's a small crash compared to a major crash. Also included is a list of sources around the country and on the internet. A story which is not available for download concerning the crash investigation of flight 427 is also provided.
• Tipsheet No. 1286: This 11-point tip sheet offers helpful advice on how and when to use data in the event of an airline crash, how to prepare the newsroom, which agencies are helpful sources of information.