# NTSB investigations, MT: Takeoff

NTSB aviation accident and incident investigations since 1962: the probable cause, findings, aircraft, crew, weather and docket of each, linked to the FAA registry and the FAA’s own reports.

Page 1 of 5 · 236 cases

## Latest cases

- [NTSB WPR26LA146](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR26LA146.md): Bell Helicopter Textron 206L-1 · Chimney Rock, MT · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Apr 4, 2026 · N5017G · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate clearance from the terrain while performing a low altitude circling takeoff maneuver, which resulted in a dynamic rollover.
- [NTSB WPR25LA295](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR25LA295.md): Siai-Marchetti SF260B · Billings, MT · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Preliminary report · Sep 26, 2025 · N272C · Substantial damage
  > On September 26, 2025, about 1040 mountain daylight time, a SIAI-MARCHETTI SF 260B, N272C, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Billings, Montana. The pilot and passenger were not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14…
- [NTSB WPR25FA223](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR25FA223.md): Grumman American Avn. AA-5 · West Glacier, MT · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Preliminary report · Jul 26, 2025 · N1342R · Substantial damage
  > On July 26, 2025, about 0942 mountain daylight time, a Grumman AA-5, N1342R, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near West Glacier, Montana. The pilot and passenger were fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal…
- [NTSB WPR25LA074](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR25LA074.md): Piper PA-18-150 · Red Rock, MT · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jan 6, 2025 · N4644Y · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff, which resulted in an impact with deep snow and vegetation.
- [NTSB WPR25LA043](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR25LA043.md): Charlie Guinn CCK-1865 · Lewiston, MT · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Nov 14, 2024 · N247CC · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control in a gusting tailwind, which resulted in an impact with a tree.
- [NTSB WPR24LA180](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR24LA180.md): Republic RC-3 · Butte, MT · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jun 5, 2024 · N87583 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane during the takeoff with a gusty left quartering crosswind.
- [NTSB WPR24LA152](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR24LA152.md): Cessna 182H · Three Forks, MT · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · May 10, 2024 · N2388X · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s inadequate preflight inspection, which resulted in an attempted departure with the flight control lock device installed, and subsequent nose landing gear collapse.
- [NTSB WPR23LA307](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR23LA307.md): Boeing A75N1(PT17) · Red Lodge, MT · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Aug 8, 2023 · N56907 · Substantial damage
  > A partial loss of engine power during the initial climb out due to improper maintenance of the magneto.
- [NTSB WPR23FA286](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR23FA286.md): Risen 915 iS · Glendive, MT · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jul 28, 2023 · N2442 · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain airspeed, which resulted in an exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack and an aerodynamic stall/spin.
- [NTSB WPR23LA281](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR23LA281.md): Six Chuter SR7 · Hamilton, MT · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jul 19, 2023 · N942WA · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during takeoff and subsequent impact with a tree.
- [NTSB WPR23LA266](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR23LA266.md): Piper PA-12 · Judith Gap, MT · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jul 8, 2023 · N4135M · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's decision to take off on a soft field that exceeded the performance capabilities of the airplane, which resulted in an impact with a pole and terrain.
- [NTSB WPR21LA239](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR21LA239.md): Mooney M20J · West Glacier, MT · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jun 20, 2021 · N5765N · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s inadequate performance planning and decision to continue the takeoff which, resulted in a runway overrun and collision with terrain.
- [NTSB WPR21LA226](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR21LA226.md): Cessna 170B · Miles City, MT · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jun 11, 2021 · N2218B · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during takeoff which resulted in a ground loop and collision with terrain.
- [NTSB WPR20CA066](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR20CA066.md): Piper PA 23 · Helena, MT · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jan 8, 2020 · N1428P · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's improper decision to attempt an off-airport departure from rough terrain without inspecting the takeoff area, which resulted in a collision with a shallow rut during takeoff and the nose landing gear collapsing.
- [NTSB WPR20CA053](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR20CA053.md): Cessna 170 · Missoula, MT · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Dec 28, 2019 · N4476B · Substantial damage
  > The pilot receiving instruction's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll, which resulted in a runway excursion and ground-loop, and the flight instructor’s failure to adequately monitor the pilot.
- [NTSB GAA18CA482](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA18CA482.md): Qac Quickie · helena, MT · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Aug 11, 2018 · N624JC · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain yaw control and a proper descent rate during an aborted takeoff.
- [NTSB GAA18CA481](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA18CA481.md): Helio H 295 · Great Falls, MT · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Aug 11, 2018 · N77TR · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain lateral control of the airplane during takeoff in a quartering tailwind.
- [NTSB GAA16CA419](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA16CA419.md): Cessna 172 · Lewiston, MT · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Aug 2, 2016 · N734GM · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to ensure that his seat was adjusted and locked, which resulted in his seat sliding aft during the takeoff roll, and the subsequent loss of directional control and runway excursion.
- [NTSB WPR16CA145](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR16CA145.md): Beech 19A · Helena, MT · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 18, 2016 · N7645R · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to reposition the fuel selector valve to the on position prior to takeoff resulting in a loss of engine power due to fuel starvation. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to properly complete the pre-takeoff checklist.
- [NTSB GAA16CA376](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA16CA376.md): Cessna 182 · Stevensville, MT · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 15, 2016 · N9928B · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from ground equipment during takeoff, which resulted in an impact with irrigation pipes, a loss of directional control, an impact with a fence, and a nose over.
- [NTSB GAA16CA369](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA16CA369.md): Stinson 108 · Red Lodge, MT · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 8, 2016 · N955C · Substantial damage
  > A deer running across the runway and impacting the left side of the airplane, resulting in a loss of directional control, a runway excursion, and a ground loop.
- [NTSB GAA16CA319](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA16CA319.md): American AA 1 · Denton, MT · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jun 12, 2016 · N5720L · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's premature rotation and failure to attain sufficient airspeed required for a sustained climb, resulting in a runway overrun and collision with a fence.
- [NTSB GAA16CA284](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA16CA284.md): Bellanca 7GCBC · Ferndale, MT · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jun 5, 2016 · N8777 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's loss of directional control during takeoff resulting in a decision to rotate early, and a collision with a hangar and subsequent fire.
- [NTSB WPR15CA173](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR15CA173.md): Cessna T188C · Ismay, MT · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · May 31, 2015 · N9987J · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's incorrect action to continue the takeoff when he failed to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll.
- [NTSB WPR14LA305](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR14LA305.md): Cessna 150M · Russian Flat, MT · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 21, 2014 · N66255 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate preflight performance planning and his operation of the airplane outside of the manufacturer's specified performance limitations, which resulted in his exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack and a subsequent aerodynamic…
- [NTSB WPR14LA269](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR14LA269.md): Piper PA 30 · Kalispell, MT · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 25, 2014 · N7350Y · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s inadequate preflight planning and checks, during which he failed to determine the quantity and distribution of the fuel, which resulted in the loss of right engine power during takeoff due to fuel starvation.
- [NTSB WPR14CA401](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR14CA401.md): Piper PA 22 · Roundup, MT · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · May 23, 2014 · N3460A · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's delayed action to abort the takeoff. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's inadequate preflight planning and a high density altitude.
- [NTSB WPR14LA159](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR14LA159.md): Bell 206B III · Missoula, MT · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 4, 2014 · N43MA · Substantial damage
  > A dynamic rollover during attempted liftoff.
- [NTSB WPR14CA076](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR14CA076.md): Aviat A-1C-200 · Laural, MT · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Dec 24, 2013 · N41WY · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff with a gusting crosswind, which resulted in the collision with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's distraction when the door popped open.
- [NTSB WPR14CA058](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR14CA058.md): Quad City Ultralight Acft Challenger II · Kalispell, MT · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Nov 26, 2013 · N522PE · Substantial damage
  > A loss of engine power due to the spark plug coming out of the cylinder head.
- [NTSB WPR13CA409](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR13CA409.md): Cessna 195A · Meadow Creek, MT · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Sep 14, 2013 · N4324N · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll on a rough turf runway.
- [NTSB WPR13CA403](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR13CA403.md): Maule M-7-260C · Nashua, MT · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Sep 8, 2013 · N5515V · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a berm during the takeoff, which resulted in a loss of directional control.
- [NTSB WPR13CA355](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR13CA355.md): Mooney M20F · Helena, MT · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Aug 2, 2013 · N2926M · Substantial damage
  > The flight instructor's delayed decision to instruct the pilot to abort the landing which resulted in a runway excursion and collision with a fence.
- [NTSB WPR13CA362](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR13CA362.md): Bellanca 7GCBC · West Yellowstone, MT · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Aug 1, 2013 · N926BW · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll, which resulted in a runway excursion and a collision with an approach slope indicator system component.
- [NTSB WPR13CA117](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR13CA117.md): Cessna 170B · Sunburst, MT · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Feb 6, 2013 · N2619D · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to compensate for the strong, gusting wind conditions, which resulted in a loss of airplane control during takeoff.
- [NTSB WPR13CA018](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR13CA018.md): Albright Stan Kitfox Super Sport · Twin Bridges, MT · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Oct 18, 2012 · N960WM · Substantial damage
  > The airplane builder’s failure to rig the flight controls correctly, which resulted in a loss of control after takeoff.
- [NTSB WPR12LA317](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR12LA317.md): Herem DR-107 · Bridger, MT · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 21, 2012 · N58GH · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control while maneuvering after takeoff.
- [NTSB WPR11LA386](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR11LA386.md): Air Tractor AT-401 · Hardin, MT · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 16, 2011 · N1012T · Substantial damage
  > The loss of engine power during takeoff due to the fatigue failure of the turbine wheel blades, which resulted from inadequate maintenance and inspections.
- [NTSB WPR11CA281](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR11CA281.md): Piper PA-36-285 · Havre, MT · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jun 23, 2011 · N57736 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff.
- [NTSB WPR09CA435](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR09CA435.md): Piper PA-20 · Bozeman, MT · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Sep 5, 2009 · N1544A · Substantial damage
  > The failure of the pilot receiving instruction to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll and the flight instructor's delayed corrective action.
- [NTSB WPR09CA351](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR09CA351.md): Cox John Wiley Kitfox III · Laurel, MT · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 15, 2009 · N4276M · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during an attempted go-around from a landing.
- [NTSB WPR09LA281](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR09LA281.md): Cessna T188C · Rock Springs, MT · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 31, 2009 · N9955J · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's decision to attempt to takeoff in crosswind conditions that exceeded the airplane’s demonstrated crosswind capability.
- [NTSB SEA08CA166](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA08CA166.md): Cessna 180 · Lewistown, MT · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 20, 2008 · N1710C · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate compensation for the variable and gusting winds, and his failure to maintain directional control. Contributing to the accident were variable winds that were gusting to 25 knots.
- [NTSB SEA08LA043](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA08LA043.md): Bell UH-1B · Ennis, MT · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 5, 2007 · N46969 · Substantial damage
  > The loss of collective control friction during takeoff that resulted in a collective bounce oscillation. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during the aborted takeoff and the snow covered terrain.
- [NTSB SEA07LA166](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA07LA166.md): Cessna T188C · Rock Springs, MT · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 10, 2007 · N2535J · Substantial damage
  > The failure of the left main landing gear due to fatigue.
- [NTSB SEA07LA020](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA07LA020.md): Cessna 170B · Billings, MT · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 18, 2006 · N2619D · Substantial damage
  > The flight instructor's inadequate remedial action to maintain directional control, which resulted in a ground loop/swerve during takeoff roll. A factor was the failure of the pilot who was receiving instruction to maintain directional control.
- [NTSB SEA06CA178](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA06CA178.md): Cessna 150 · Laurel, MT · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Sep 6, 2006 · N6581T · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's excessive application of the brakes during an aborted takeoff, which resulted in a nose over.
- [NTSB SEA06CA132](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA06CA132.md): Cessna 195 · Great Falls, MT · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 3, 2006 · N6857D · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's loss of aircraft control during the takeoff roll, and the subsequent inadvertent ground loop.
- [NTSB SEA06CA120](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA06CA120.md): Cessna 180 · Great Falls, MT · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jun 18, 2006 · N2251C · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to adequately compensate for wind conditions. A crosswind was a factor.
- [NTSB SEA06LA114](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA06LA114.md): Beech A36 · Ennis, MT · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 6, 2006 · N24BF · Substantial damage
  > The loss of engine power during takeoff due to an excessively lean fuel-to-air mixture ratio as a result of excessive mating surface wear between the mixture control arm and metering shaft. A factor was the improper installation of the new engine, which…

Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300/cases.md?state=MT&page=2

## The whole list in SQL

Runs in DuckDB 1.2 or later on the release's Parquet files over HTTPS:

```sql
WITH phase_names(main, name) AS (VALUES (100, 'Prior to flight'), (150, 'Standing'), (200, 'Pushback/towing'), (250, 'Taxi'), (300, 'Takeoff'), (350, 'Initial climb'), (400, 'Enroute'), (450, 'Maneuvering'), (500, 'Approach'), (550, 'Landing'), (600, 'Emergency descent'), (650, 'Uncontrolled descent'), (700, 'Post-impact'), (750, 'After landing'), (800, 'Other'), (990, 'Unknown')),
  crosswalk(code, main, name) AS (VALUES (500, 150, 'Standing'), (501, 150, 'Standing - pre-flight'), (502, 150, 'Standing - starting engine(s)'), (503, 150, 'Standing - engine(s) operating'), (504, 150, 'Standing - engine(s) not operating'), (505, 150, 'Standing - idling rotors'), (510, 250, 'Taxi'), (511, 200, 'Taxi - pushback/tow'), (512, 250, 'Taxi - to takeoff'), (513, 250, 'Taxi - from landing'), (514, 250, 'Taxi - aerial'), (520, 300, 'Takeoff'), (521, 300, 'Takeoff - roll/run'), (522, 350, 'Takeoff - initial climb'), (523, 300, 'Takeoff - aborted'), (530, 400, 'Climb'), (531, 400, 'Climb - to cruise'), (540, 400, 'Cruise'), (541, 400, 'Cruise - normal'), (542, 400, 'Maneuvering - holding (IFR)'), (550, 400, 'Descent'), (551, 400, 'Descent - normal'), (552, 600, 'Descent - emergency'), (553, 650, 'Descent - uncontrolled'), (560, 500, 'Approach'), (561, 500, 'Approach - VFR pattern - downwind'), (562, 500, 'Approach - VFR pattern - base turn'), (563, 500, 'Approach - VFR pattern - base leg/base to final'), (564, 500, 'Approach - VFR pattern - final approach'), (565, 500, 'Go-around (VFR)'), (566, 500, 'Approach - IAF to FAF/outer marker (IFR)'), (567, 500, 'Approach - FAF/outer marker to threshold (IFR)'), (568, 500, 'Circling (IFR)'), (569, 500, 'Missed approach (IFR)'), (570, 550, 'Landing'), (571, 550, 'Landing - flare/touchdown'), (572, 550, 'Landing - roll'), (573, 550, 'Landing - aborted'), (574, 550, 'Emergency landing'), (575, 550, 'Emergency landing after takeoff'), (576, 600, 'Emergency descent/landing'), (580, 450, 'Maneuvering'), (581, 450, 'Maneuvering - aerial application'), (582, 450, 'Maneuvering - turn to reverse direction'), (583, 450, 'Maneuvering - turn to landing area (emergency)'), (590, 450, 'Hover'), (591, 450, 'Hover - in ground effect'), (592, 450, 'Hover - out of ground effect'), (600, 800, 'Other'), (610, 990, 'Unknown')),
  current_codes AS (
    SELECT e.case_mkey, TRY_CAST(e."tier1Number" AS INTEGER) AS code,
      row_number() OVER (PARTITION BY e.case_mkey ORDER BY coalesce(e."isDefiningEvent", false) DESC, e.position) AS n
    FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_events.parquet' e
    WHERE e.aircrafts_position = 1 AND e."tier1Number" GLOB '[1-9][0-9]*'
      AND (e."isDefiningEvent" OR e.case_mkey IN (SELECT "mKey" FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_case_detail.parquet' WHERE "isPre1982"))
  ),
  phases AS (
    SELECT case_mkey, 'current' AS scheme, code, CASE WHEN code >= 990 THEN 990 ELSE code // 50 * 50 END AS main
    FROM current_codes WHERE n = 1
    UNION ALL
    SELECT o.case_mkey, 'older', o."phaseOfFlightCode", w.main
    FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_occurrences.parquet' o JOIN crosswalk w ON w.code = o."phaseOfFlightCode"
    WHERE o.aircrafts_position = 1 AND o."occurrenceNumber" = 1 AND o.case_mkey NOT IN (SELECT case_mkey FROM current_codes)
  ),
  case_phases AS (
    SELECT p.*, c."eventDate", c."highestInjuryLevel" = 'Fatal' AS fatal, a.aircraft_model_code
    FROM phases p JOIN 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_case_detail.parquet' c ON c."mKey" = p.case_mkey
    LEFT JOIN 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' a ON a.case_mkey = p.case_mkey AND a.position = 1
    WHERE c."eventDate" >= DATE '1962-01-01' AND p.main IN (SELECT main FROM phase_names)
  )
SELECT c."ntsbNumber", c."eventDate", c."eventType", c."eventCity", c."eventStateOrRegion", a.n_number, a."aircraftMake", a."aircraftModel", c."highestInjuryLevel", c."totalFatal", c."completionStatus", c.report_url
FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_case_detail.parquet' c LEFT JOIN 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' a ON a.case_mkey = c."mKey" AND a.position = 1
WHERE c."eventStateOrRegion" = 'MT' AND c."eventCountry" = 'USA'
  AND c."mKey" IN (SELECT case_mkey FROM case_phases WHERE main = 300)
ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC
```

This list as a web page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300/cases?state=MT

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