The NTSB, or the National Transportation Safety Board keeps a record of all airline and aircraft accidents. It is called the NTSB aviation accident database and it is available online. Visitors to the site can see information about plane crashes including what type of plane it was and if there were any fatalities. If available, there is also a summary of what caused the crash. It is interesting to note that just skipping through the months and years, "Pilot Error" seems to come up a lot. Although, it is known that pilot error and mechanical malfunction run neck and neck when it comes to responsibility. The NTSB aviation accident database also concurs with data that states that most accidents occur during landing. NTSB aviation accident information would make a wonderful research source as it gives clear and concise information. Information is available going back decades so it is easy to research virtually any plane accident.