It's the same - you just don't have to dig through the Fed's web site.
It will also show any other hits (such as a news story with the N number).
It will also, unfortunately, give you links to pages where that N number is used for something else.
It's not all you have to do, by any means. I've been looking hard - and thought I found a possible candidate this week. Run out engine (of course) but otherwise seemed OK. No damage info in the NTSB, but when I called to make an appointment to see the plane, I asked about damage anyway. Good thing I did, it seems the right wing, stabilizer, elevator and the rudder had recently been replaced due to wind damage on the ground.
Ed
