NTSB investigations, MT

194 cases where the phase of flight was Approach.

Cases per year

19642026
NTSB investigations, MT per year, 1964–2026: 194 cases
19646
19668
19671
19684
19691
19706
19715
19723
19733
19745
19756
19766
19776
19784
19795
19806
19813
19824
19834
19847
19852
19865
19872
19884
19892
19904
19915
19922
19933
19941
19957
19961
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19992
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20024
20032
20043
20056
20065
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20092
20102
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20131
20141
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20162
20181
20191
20204
20213
20223
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20252
20263

Latest cases

Query with SQL
duckdb -csv -c "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 = 500)
  ORDER BY c.\"eventDate\" DESC, c.\"ntsbNumber\" DESC"

Prints the whole list as CSV. It reads the release’s Parquet files over HTTPS, so there’s nothing to download first. Install DuckDB to run it.

NTSB WPR26LA335Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedPreliminary reportCessna 210 · Polson, MTOn September 10, 2026, about 1005 mountain daylight time, a Cessna 210, N9517T, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Polson Airport (8S1), Polson, Montana. The student pilot was not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title…Sep 10, 2026 · N9517T · Substantial damageNTSB WPR26LA155Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedPreliminary reportAero Vodochody L-39 · Ennis, MTOn April 10, 2026, about 1210 mountain daylight time, an Aero Vodochody L 39, N136EM, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Ennis, Montana. The flight instructor sustained minor injuries, and the pilot undergoing instruction was…Apr 10, 2026 · N136EM · Substantial damageNTSB WPR26LA152Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedPreliminary reportJust Highlander · Great Falls, MTOn April 8, 2026, about 1106 mountain daylight time, an experimental amateur built Just Aircraft Highlander, N563JA, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Great Falls, Montana. The pilot was not injured. The airplane was operated…Apr 8, 2026 · N563JA · Substantial damageNTSB WPR25LA251Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportSocata TBM 700 · Kalispell, MTThe pilot’s unstable approach to the runway, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall at low altitude and impact with terrain.Aug 11, 2025 · N860CA · DestroyedNTSB WPR25LA221Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportBeech B35 · Helena, MTThe pilot’s failure to properly configure the airplane during a go-around which resulted in the airplane exceeding its critical angle of attack and an aerodynamic stall at a low altitude.Jul 24, 2025 · N5204C · Substantial damageNTSB WPR23LA087Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportRaytheon BE-200 · Poplar, MTThe pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed and descent rate during the landing approach, which resulted in an impact with terrain short of the runway threshold.Jan 18, 2023 · N200EJ · Substantial damageNTSB WPR22LA337Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 180 · Seeley Lake, MTThe loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as a result of unporting of the fuel.Sep 3, 2022 · N3135D · Substantial damageNTSB WPR22LA321Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA-22-135 · Twin Bridges, MTThe student pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control during an aborted landing, and the flight instructor’s delayed remedial action.Aug 29, 2022 · N3268B · Substantial damageNTSB WPR22LA262Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportMaule M-5-235C · Three Forks, MTA loss of engine power due to degraded and incorrectly maintained ignition system components. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s delay in turning the airplane towards the runway when the engine began to lose power.Jul 20, 2022 · N6224M · Substantial damageNTSB WPR22LA024Accident · Serious injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 182Q · St Ignatius, MTThe pilot's improper preflight fuel planning, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.Oct 24, 2021 · N25WX · Substantial damageNTSB WPR21LA315Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportBellanca 14-19-3 · Whitefish, MTA total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to accomplish a preflight inspection.Aug 10, 2021 · N1257R · Substantial damageNTSB WPR21LA219Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportStoddard Hamilton Glasair II · Darby, MTThe pilot’s impact with terrain during a go-around following an attempted precautionary landing due to a low oil pressure indication. The reason for the low oil pressure indication could not be determined based on the available information.May 29, 2021 · N8176J · Substantial damageNTSB WPR21LA067Accident · Serious injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 172 · Dillon, MTThe student pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle attack during an attempted go-around, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.Dec 8, 2020 · N46017 · Substantial damageNTSB WPR21LA032Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 172 · Billings, MTThe pilot’s failure to maintain the proper descent glide path while on final approach for reasons that could not be determined from available evidence.Oct 31, 2020 · N124TW · Substantial damageNTSB WPR20LA304Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 172 · Seeley Lake, MTThe noninstrument-rated pilot’s encounter with instrument meteorological conditions during a night visual approach due to wildfire smoke, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.Sep 13, 2020 · N3720R · Substantial damageNTSB WPR20LA308Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA 30 · Billings, MTThe pilot’s improper fuel planning, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.Sep 12, 2020 · N7602Y · Substantial damageNTSB WPR19FA209Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 182 · Wolf Point, MTThe pilot's exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack while maneuvering to land, which resulted in an accelerated aerodynamic stall and subsequent loss of control.Aug 5, 2019 · N3469R · DestroyedNTSB GAA18CA220Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportPiper PA 22 · Shelby, MTThe pilot’s improper use of the fuel selector, which resulted in fuel starvation to the engine and an off-runway landing.Apr 19, 2018 · N1283C · Substantial damageNTSB WPR17IA007Incident · No injuriesIncident investigationFinal reportShort Bros SD3 60 Sherpa · Missoula, MTThe failure of the nose landing gear down-lock piston to engage due to paint accumulation, which resulted in a nose landing gear collapse during landing. Also causal was the failure of the facility that performed the painting to comply with manufacturer…Oct 13, 2016 · N148Z · Minor damageNTSB WPR16FA170Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182 · Clinton, MTThe sudden right turn on approach to landing for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.Aug 28, 2016 · N9936T · DestroyedNTSB WPR15LA191Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 180A · Polson, MTA total loss of engine power during approach for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination revealed no anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.Jun 19, 2015 · N9699B · Substantial damageNTSB WPR15LA036Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportChampion 7AC · Darby, MTThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed while maneuvering in gusting wind conditions, which resulted in the airplane exceeding its critical angle of attack and experiencing an aerodynamic stall.Nov 7, 2014 · N84462 · Substantial damageNTSB WPR13FA368Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech E35 · West Yellowstone, MTThe pilot's failure to maintain airplane control while aligning the airplane with the runway for landing, which resulted in the airplane exceeding its critical angle of attack and experiencing an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's…Aug 12, 2013 · N3226C · Substantial damageNTSB WPR11LA317Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportSchweizer SGS 2-32 · Bigfork, MTThe pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed and his excessive control inputs during a simulated rope break while taking off, which resulted in an accelerated aerodynamic stall.Jul 8, 2011 · N591CC · Substantial damageNTSB WPR11FA170Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T310R · Butte, MTThe pilot's loss of airplane control during the missed approach for undetermined reasons. Contributing to the accident was the rapid and unforecast deterioration of the weather conditions to below the landing minimum and the pilot's decision to attempt the…Mar 19, 2011 · N4914A · Substantial damageNTSB WPR10CA469Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportPiper PA-18-150 · White Sulphur Springs, MTThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during a go-around in turbulent wind conditions, which resulted in a collision with trees.Sep 24, 2010 · N4036E · Substantial damageNTSB WPR10LA180Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-22-150 · Terry, MTThe pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll in gusting winds. Contributing to the accident was a loss of engine power on final approach due to fuel exhaustion as a result of the pilot having to divert due to deteriorating…Mar 25, 2010 · N3351Z · Substantial damageNTSB WPR09LA179Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 182 · Kalispell, MTA partial loss of engine power during a go-around for undetermined reasons. Contributing to the accident was a fatigue failure of the right main landing gear spring.Apr 4, 2009 · N6433A · Substantial damageNTSB WPR09CA092Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportRyan Navion · Three Forks, MTA total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as a result of the pilot's inadequate fuel system management. Contributing to the accident were the pilot's diverted attention and failure to perform the prelanding checklist.Jan 19, 2009 · N4443K · Substantial damageNTSB SEA08CA010Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportWelch RV-9 · Bigfork, MTFuel starvation while on downwind for landing. The pilot's inadequate in-flight fuel management planning was a factor.Oct 14, 2007 · N475TW · Substantial damageNTSB LAX07CA279Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 172L · Helena, MTunexpected collision with birds on short final that damaged the airplane wing structure.Sep 13, 2007 · N7221Q · Substantial damageNTSB LAX07LA240Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportLuscombe 8E · Polson, MTa flight control jam for undetermined reasons.Aug 3, 2007 · N45486 · Substantial damageNTSB SEA07CA194Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportPiper PA-18-150 · Jordan, MTThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during a go-around. Contributing factors were the pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for landing and the rough/uneven terrain.Jul 13, 2007 · N7145Z · Substantial damageNTSB SEA07TA174Accident · No injuriesFinal reportCessna 185C · Kalispell, MTThe complete loss of engine power during an attempted go-around from a simulated engine-out landing. Factors include rough/uneven terrain and high vegetation where the pilot made an emergency forced landing.Jun 20, 2007 · N391M · Substantial damageNTSB LAX07FA150Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna S550 · Dillon, MTAn in-flight loss of control for undetermined reasons.May 3, 2007 · N22HP · DestroyedNTSB SEA07LA002Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 340A · Kalispell, MTThe fracture of the adjusting bellcrank in overstress due to binding in a linkage forward of the bell crank.Oct 2, 2006 · N1920E · Substantial damageNTSB SEA06CA165Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportBell 407 · Havre, MTThe pilot inadvertently allowing the helicopter to enter into a vortex ring state (settling with power) condition while he was lowering a long-line load to the ground, resulting in the helicopter settling to the ground and its tail rotor impacting part of the…Aug 19, 2006 · N407SH · Substantial damageNTSB SEA06CA094Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportHarold Vander Avid Flyer · Miles City, MTFailure of the engine to propeller reduction gearbox for undetermined reasons. High vegetation was a factor.May 14, 2006 · N157VM · Substantial damageNTSB SEA06LA074Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCentral Copters Lancair IV-P · Belgrade, MTThe total loss of drive power to the aircraft's propeller while on a visual final approach, due to the decoupling of the quill shaft between the reduction gearbox and the engine power section. Factors include a dark night, no suitable terrain on which to…Apr 15, 2006 · N671 · DestroyedNTSB SEA06FA068Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech C99 · Butte, MTThe second pilot's failure to follow the published instrument approach procedure and the captain/PIC's inadequate supervision. Snow and mountain obscuration were factors.Mar 18, 2006 · N54RP · Substantial damageNTSB SEA06FA022Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 425 · Belgrade, MTThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed during the approach which resulted in an inadvertent stall. Factors associated with the accident were dark night conditions, clouds, icing conditions, low visibility and snow.Nov 30, 2005 · N701QR · DestroyedNTSB SEA05LA189Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBallhagen/Shyrock Q-2 · Kalispell, MTThe pilot/owner's improper setting of the engine's valve clearance, leading to the failure of the exhaust valves to fully close and a total loss of power while on a VFR downwind, and the pilot/owner's failure to maintain sufficient airspeed as he tried to…Sep 2, 2005 · N12QJ · Substantial damageNTSB SEA05CA149Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportHughes 269A · Laurel, MTthe pilot's failure to maintain rotor rpm while executing a pinnacle approach, which resulted in a loss of control and collision with terrain.Jul 21, 2005 · N801CP · Substantial damageNTSB SEA05CA109Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportJackson Rans S-6S · Laurel, MTThe flight instructor's inadequate remedial action which resulted in a stall/spin during final approach to land. A contributing factor was the student pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during the landing approach.May 28, 2005 · N133DJ · Substantial damageNTSB SEA05LA084Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna T210N · Kalispell, MTAn airborne fire which was fueled by leaking hydraulic fluid (the ignition source for the fire was undetermined) from the landing gear hydraulic system located under the cockpit instrument panel due to inadequate maintenance from other maintenance personnel.…Apr 20, 2005 · N2AK · DestroyedNTSB SEA05LA066Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportAbbott Glasair Legend · Cascade, MTThe accumulation of wet snow on the engine inlet assembly protection screen during a rapid increase in outside air temperature, while on an instrument approach for landing. Factors include falling snow, a sudden and significant increase in outside air…Mar 24, 2005 · C-GUTT · Substantial damageNTSB SEA05LA011Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna T210H · Missoula, MTThe pilot's failure to follow published procedures/directives (inducing excessive fuel flow to the engine), and the subsequent loss of engine power for nonmechanical reasons while on final approach. Contributing factors were the utility pole and the ditch.Oct 23, 2004 · N2240R · Substantial damageNTSB SEA05LA010Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBeech 99A · Billings, MTthe pilot's failure to follow the instrument approach procedure, which resulted in a premature descent below the decision height and subsequent collision with a building.Oct 18, 2004 · N955AA · Substantial damageNTSB SEA04LA098Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18-150 · Columbus, MTThe pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the aircraft during the landing and subsequent go-around. Inadequate compensation for the gusting winds and an airport hangar were factors.Jun 5, 2004 · N82172 · Substantial damageNTSB SEA03CA102Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportPiper PA-18 · Silver City, MTProper descent rate not maintained while on final approach. A wind gust is a factor in the accident.Jun 14, 2003 · N82946 · Substantial damage