Aircraft History Check

What Do Public Records Show
About This Aircraft?

Enter any N-number for a free public-record screening. NTSB accident filings, FAA registry ownership signals, title indicators, and fleet defect patterns — a first filter before you commit to a pre-buy inspection.

Enter N-Number to Screen History
N
Run Free History Screen →
Enter digits only · Example: 13383 for N13383
NTSB Accident Filings
FAA Registry Signals
Title Indicators
No Account Required

Public Record Signals This Screen Surfaces
01
NTSB Accident & Incident Filings

Cross-references the NTSB CAROL database and pre-1982 legacy records for filed accidents, incidents, and probable cause reports associated with this N-number. Returns records found — not a determination of damage or airworthiness.

NTSB CAROL Database
02
FAA Registry Ownership Signals

Live FAA registry lookup for registered owner, make, model, year, and current registration status. Surfaces ownership indicators and any registry flags on file — a first signal of whether the seller's information matches public records.

FAA Civil Aviation Registry
03
Title & Lien Indicators

FAA Document Index screening for recorded encumbrances and title chain indicators. Flags whether documents are on file that warrant further review — not a title opinion, but a signal worth investigating before deposit.

FAA Doc Index
04
Fleet Defect Pattern Signals

Service Difficulty Report patterns for this aircraft's make and model. Surfaces recurring issues the FAA has documented across the fleet — context for what to ask about during the pre-buy inspection, not a finding against this specific aircraft.

FAA SDRS
⚠ SCOPE
Public record screening has real limits. This tool surfaces what the FAA and NTSB have on file — it is a screening layer, not a comprehensive history. Unreported incidents, minor damage events, and maintenance issues not filed with federal agencies will not appear. A clean public record screen does not indicate airworthiness, condition, or value. Always follow with a qualified pre-buy inspection and logbook review.

Beyond Public Records
Public records show what was filed.
Logbooks show what happened.

The NTSB only captures reported events. The FAA registry only shows what was submitted. The logbooks — when reviewed by someone who knows what to look for — surface the undocumented repairs, the skipped annuals, the engine that turned over on a field overhauled by someone's uncle. AeroScore™ reads the logbooks so the full picture is in your hands before deposit.

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Common Questions About
Aircraft History Checks
How do I check an aircraft's history before buying?

Enter the aircraft's N-number into the Pulse Check screen above. It runs a free public-record screen across the NTSB accident database, FAA registry, title indicators, and fleet defect patterns — giving you a first-pass signal layer before you commit to a pre-buy inspection or deposit.

What does an aircraft history check show?

A public record screen surfaces signals from federal databases: NTSB accident and incident filings, FAA registry ownership records, title and lien indicators from the FAA Document Index, and service difficulty report patterns for the aircraft's make and model. It returns records found — not a condition assessment or airworthiness determination.

Can an aircraft have accident history that doesn't show up in a check?

Yes. Public record screening only captures events reported to the NTSB. Minor accidents, unreported incidents, hangar rash, and undisclosed damage repairs may not appear in any public database. This is why logbook review — not just public record screening — is essential before any purchase decision.

Is a free aircraft history check reliable?

Free public record screening is a reliable first filter for what federal agencies have on file. However, it has clear limits: it only surfaces reported events and recorded documents. A full AeroScore™ report — which includes logbook review, AD compliance screening, and engine TBO position — provides the complete picture that public records alone cannot.