# NTSB investigations, MT: In flight collision with terrain/water

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 2 · 64 cases

## Latest cases

- [NTSB SEA07CA220](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA07CA220.md): Hughes 269C · Three Forks, MT · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 30, 2007 · N428MS · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot's failure to maintain control of the aircraft during autorotation. The flight instructor's inadequate supervision was a factor.
- [NTSB SEA07FA051](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA07FA051.md): Beech 200 · Belgrade, MT · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Feb 7, 2007 · N45MF · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain an adequate altitude and descent rate during a night visual approach. Dark night conditions and mountainous terrain are factors in the accident.
- [NTSB SEA06LA164](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA06LA164.md): Bellanca 8GCBC · Townsend, MT · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 19, 2006 · N4109Y · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance while intentionally maneuvering low to the ground.
- [NTSB SEA06LA052](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA06LA052.md): Robinson R44 · Helena, MT · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 6, 2006 · N7085U · Destroyed
  > The pilot's intentional suicide. The unauthorized use of a helicopter and impairment by alcohol were factors.
- [NTSB SEA05CA117](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA05CA117.md): Piper PA-25-260 · Geraldine, MT · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jun 12, 2005 · N4768Y · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance with rising terrain. Rising terrain was a factor.
- [NTSB SEA04LA168](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA04LA168.md): Cessna 150L · Angela, MT · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 19, 2004 · N17062 · Destroyed
  > The failure of the pilot to maintain clearance while maneuvering. A factor contributing to the accident was the physical impairment of the pilot due to an elevated blood alcohol level.
- [NTSB SEA04FA166](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA04FA166.md): Beech BE-99 · Neihart, MT · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 18, 2004 · N199GL · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate terrain clearance during cruise, which resulted in the in-flight collision with mountainous terrain. Dark night conditions and mountainous terrain were contributing factors.
- [NTSB SEA04LA077](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA04LA077.md): Piper PA-18-105 · Laurel, MT · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 1, 2004 · N5483H · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance/altitude while maneuvering resulting in the inadvertent in-flight collision with water/terrain.
- [NTSB SEA04LA029](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA04LA029.md): Beech 58P · Missoula, MT · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 23, 2003 · N181AM · Destroyed
  > The second pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance while maneuvering after takeoff. Proper climb rate not verified by the flight crew, fog, freezing fog, dark night conditions and inadequate supervision by the pilot-in-command were factors.
- [NTSB SEA03CA102](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA03CA102.md): Piper PA-18 · Silver City, MT · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jun 14, 2003 · N82946 · Substantial damage
  > Proper descent rate not maintained while on final approach. A wind gust is a factor in the accident.
- [NTSB SEA02LA075](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA02LA075.md): Enstrom F-28C · Hot Springs, MT · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 20, 2002 · N51769 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to adequately compensate for unfavorable wind conditions. Factors include unfavorable/shifting winds, and a tailwind gust.
- [NTSB SEA02LA001](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA02LA001.md): Cessna 172 · Lindsay, MT · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 1, 2001 · N3910F · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain an altitude clear of terrain. A factor was intentional low altitude flight.
- [NTSB SEA01LA133](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA01LA133.md): Piper PA-28R · Cut Bank, MT · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 10, 2001 · N8475C · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain a speed above stall velocity (Vs) during the after-takeoff climb. Factors include a high density altitude, and a dust devil/whirlwind located along the route of departure.
- [NTSB SEA01LA058](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA01LA058.md): Avia Stroitel AC-5m · Bozeman, MT · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 4, 2001 · N1635M · Substantial damage
  > the pilot's improper remedial action upon experiencing the unexpected opening of the aircraft's canopy during the initial part of the takeoff climb. Factors include his attention being diverted to the open canopy, his failure to use a checklist to ensure he…
- [NTSB SEA01LA052](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA01LA052.md): Cessna 402B · Billings, MT · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 20, 2001 · N69316 · Substantial damage
  > Best rate-of-climb single-engine speed was not maintained. Delayed remedial action was a factor.
- [NTSB SEA01LA019](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA01LA019.md): Piper PA-18 · Broadus, MT · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 14, 2000 · N8415Y · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during the takeoff phase of the flight.
- [NTSB SEA00FA080](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA00FA080.md): Piper PA-32-300 · Fort Smith, MT · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 29, 2000 · N216BC · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the terrain. Factors include low ceilings, snow, rain, and rising, mountainous/hilly terrain.
- [NTSB SEA00FA074](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA00FA074.md): Maule M-5-210C · Babb, MT · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 16, 2000 · N284X · Destroyed
  > Terrain clearance was not maintained. High mountains, mountain obscuration, and the pilot's inadequate preflight planning/preparation were factors.
- [NTSB SEA00LA040](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA00LA040.md): Cessna 310R · Columbia Falls, MT · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jan 27, 2000 · N87338 · Destroyed
  > Failure of the pilot-in-command to follow the prescribed instrument approach missed approach procedure.
- [NTSB SEA99LA118](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA99LA118.md): Piper PA-18-150 · Opheim, MT · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 14, 1999 · N4385Z · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain an airspeed above stall speed (Vs), resulting in a stall/mush into the terrain during a course reversal at the end of an aerial application run. Factors include hilly terrain and high density altitude.
- [NTSB SEA99LA081](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA99LA081.md): D. Wayne Smith Wayncraft 14 · Libby, MT · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 6, 1999 · N58WS · Substantial damage
  > Collision with terrain for undetermined reasons.
- [NTSB SEA99LA003](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA99LA003.md): Beech 99 · Missoula, MT · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 17, 1998 · N299GL · Substantial damage
  > The pilot-in-command's delayed remedial action in response to the co-pilot's improper landing flare, and the co-pilot's application of excessive (full nose-up) trim during the landing flare as taught in the operator's initial aircrew training program. Factors…
- [NTSB SEA98FA161](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA98FA161.md): Cessna 177 · Red Lodge, MT · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 3, 1998 · N2213Y · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate altitude over, or clearance with, mountainous terrain during night visual flight rules flight. Factors included night lighting conditions and mountainous terrain.
- [NTSB SEA98LA132](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA98LA132.md): Grumman American AA-5B · Chico Hot Sprgs, MT · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 12, 1998 · N28299 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot-in-command's selection of the wrong runway for takeoff. Factors contributing to the accident were high density altitude, rising terrain and a fence post.
- [NTSB SEA98FA100](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA98FA100.md): Aero Commander 680FL · Helena, MT · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 17, 1998 · N446JR · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain the correct altitude while turning inbound during a procedure turn to the ILS final approach course. Factors include hilly/mountainous terrain and clouds in the area where the course reversal was performed.
- [NTSB SEA98FA101](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA98FA101.md): Piper PA-46-350P · Bigfork, MT · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 11, 1998 · N9247W · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance for undetermined reasons. Contributing factors were the mountainous terrain, trees, dark night conditions, clouds and pilot fatigue.
- [NTSB SEA97LA141](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA97LA141.md): Wood Murphy Rebel · Marion, MT · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 16, 1997 · N224MR · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the terrain/water. Factors include gusty winds and downdrafts.
- [NTSB SEA97LA131](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA97LA131.md): Cessna 182C · Hardin, MT · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 7, 1997 · N8522T · Substantial damage
  > the student's delay in initiating a go-around. A factor relating to the accident was: the sunglare.
- [NTSB SEA97LA062](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA97LA062.md): Hall Kitfox · Billings, MT · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 22, 1997 · N87TJ · Substantial damage
  > The pilot-in-command's failure to maintain flying airspeed while executing a downwind turn at low altitude immediately following takeoff.
- [NTSB SEA97FA043](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA97FA043.md): Piper PA-28R · Fort Smith, MT · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 6, 1997 · N3347Q · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from terrain. Factors include the pilot inadvertently becoming lost/disoriented, the dark night (minimum ambient light), and mountainous/hilly terrain.
- [NTSB SEA97LA036](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA97LA036.md): Piper PA18-135 · Cohagen, MT · Accident · 2 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 5, 1996 · N62100 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed. Factors were the intentional flight at a low altitude and the over gross condition of the airplane.
- [NTSB SEA96FA170](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA96FA170.md): Piper PA-28R-200 · Libby, MT · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 26, 1996 · N3071R · Destroyed
  > collision with rising mountainous terrain for unknown reason(s).
- [NTSB SEA96FA024](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA96FA024.md): Beech C24R · Bozeman, MT · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 25, 1995 · N3729T · Substantial damage
  > failure of the pilot to follow the specified approach track (proper IFR procedure), and his associated failure to maintain altitude or clearance from mountainous terrain. Factors relating to the accident were: the pilot's failure to abide by the aircraft…
- [NTSB SEA95FA209](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA95FA209.md): Cessna 180J · Browning, MT · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 7, 1995 · N7820K · Destroyed
  > Clearance from the ground was not maintained while attempting a VFR flight into IMC weather conditions. A factor to the accident was fog.
- [NTSB SEA95LA123](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA95LA123.md): Piper PA-18A · Laurel, MT · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 18, 1995 · N1252C · Substantial damage
  > The selection of unsuitable terrain for landing. A factor to the accident was tall vegetation.
- [NTSB SEA94LA228](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA94LA228.md): Sikorsky S-64F · Libby, MT · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 1, 1994 · N165AC · Destroyed
  > The flight crew allowed the helicopter's weight and balance to be exceeded, and the external load (tank) jettison system failed to operate. A factor related to the accident was: the false indication on the retardant quantity indicator.
- [NTSB SEA94LA202](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA94LA202.md): Groce Vans RV-4 · Glendive, MT · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 1, 1994 · N7GJ · Destroyed
  > Airspeed was not maintained after takeoff. A factor was high density altitude.
- [NTSB SEA94FA163](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA94FA163.md): Piper J3C-65 · Seeley Lake, MT · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 4, 1994 · N88114 · Destroyed
  > The pilot in command's failure to maintain flying airspeed.
- [NTSB SEA94LA003](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA94LA003.md): Cessna 180H · Denton, MT · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 3, 1993 · N9002M · Substantial damage
  > The pilot in command's failure to maintain adequate clearance with terrain. Factors contributing to the accident were unfavorable winds and the pilot in command's inadquate compensation (premature crosswind turn) for the wind conditions.
- [NTSB SEA92FA101](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA92FA101.md): Mooney M20F · Glendive, MT · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 17, 1992 · N2920L · Destroyed
  > An excessive rate of descent, and the pilot's overconfidence in himself and the aircraft.
- [NTSB SEA92LA057](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA92LA057.md): Robert L. Rice Davis DA-2A · Billings, MT · Accident · 2 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 8, 1992 · N48BR · Destroyed
  > The failure of the pilot to maintain terrain clearance. Factors relating to the accident were the pilot's lack of experience and the rising terrain in the area.
- [NTSB SEA92LA031](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA92LA031.md): Piper PA-24-250 · Missoula, MT · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 27, 1991 · N6408P · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's poor in-flight decision, failure to perform a missed approach, and improper altitude. Factors include poor preflight planning/preparation, and weather conditions below approach minimums.
- [NTSB SEA91LA206](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA91LA206.md): Beech V35B · Belgrade, MT · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 12, 1991 · N18307 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain a positive rate of climb during the takeoff. Factors contributing to the accident were the open cabin window and the pilot's diverting his attention.
- [NTSB SEA91FA046](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA91FA046.md): Cessna C-172 · Colstrip, MT · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Feb 3, 1991 · N8531B · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate terrain clearance. Factors relating to the accident were the pilot's lack of total night flight experience, his lack of recent night flight experience, the dark night light conditions, and the mountainous/hilly terrain…
- [NTSB DEN90LA108](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN90LA108.md): Piper PA-18-150 · Powderville, MT · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 10, 1990 · N62672 · Substantial damage
  > Pilot failed to maintain terrain clearance during descent on an aerial application swath run, resulting in an in flight collision with the terrain. That the pilot misjudged the pull up altitude is considered a contributing factor.
- [NTSB DEN90LA014](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN90LA014.md): Cessna 206F · Opheim, MT · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 27, 1989 · N33211 · Substantial damage
  > Pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance while executing a low pass.
- [NTSB DEN89LA167](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN89LA167.md): Piper PA-25 · Wh Sulphur Spgs, MT · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 11, 1989 · N6663Z · Substantial damage
  > The pilot failed to maintain adequate airspeed during an aerial application maneuver and inadvertently allowed the aircraft to mush into the ground. Unfavorable wind and turbulence were considered to be contributing factors.
- [NTSB DEN88FA063](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN88FA063.md): Cessna 421A · Helena, MT · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Feb 4, 1988 · N517S · Destroyed
  > This accident occurred during a night, ILS app to rwy 27 in IMC. The acft collided with a mountain 12 NM ese of the arpt while turning inbound to intercept the LOC course. Investigation revealed that one VOR receiver was set on the destinaton ILS freq, the…
- [NTSB DEN87MA168](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN87MA168.md): Beech D18S · Lakeside, MT · Accident · 10 fatal · Major investigation · Final report · Jul 5, 1987 · N132E · Destroyed
  > The plt borrowed the acft to fly a musical group to kalispell for a pvt engagement at Lakeside, MT, which was aprx 15 mi south of the arpt. That evening, the group boarded the acft for the return flt. After takeoff, the acft was seen flying at low alt in the…
- [NTSB DEN85FA153](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN85FA153.md): Piper PA-32R-300 · Melstone, MT · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 9, 1985 · N75063 · Substantial damage
  > The acft was observed in a left turn in a steep dive until it passed out of view behind a hill. The investigation revealed no evidence of airframe or engine malfunction or failure piror to the crash. Medical findings revealed the plt, sole occupant, had 90…

Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb.md?state=MT&occurrence=230&page=2

## The whole list in SQL

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

```sql
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 o.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_occurrences.parquet' o WHERE o."occurrenceNumber" = 1 AND o."occurrenceCode" = 230)
ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC
```

This list as a web page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb?occurrence=230&state=MT

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