# NTSB investigations, MT: In flight encounter with weather 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. ## Latest cases - [NTSB SEA08FA006](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA08FA006.md): Cessna 310N · Ekalaka, MT · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 7, 2007 · N85WT · Substantial damage > The pilot's improper in-flight planning/decision, his continued flight into adverse weather (icing conditions), and failure to maintain an adequate airspeed during the emergency descent for landing. Contributing to the accident were the forecast icing… - [NTSB SEA07TA202](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA07TA202.md): Bell UH-1H · Benchmark, MT · Accident · Minor injuries · Final report · Jul 16, 2007 · N667HP · Substantial damage > Dense smoke/haze which restricted the pilot's visibility and the pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during the emergency descent resulting in impact with terrain. - [NTSB SEA06FA068](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA06FA068.md): Beech C99 · Butte, MT · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 18, 2006 · N54RP · Substantial damage > The second pilot's failure to follow the published instrument approach procedure and the captain/PIC's inadequate supervision. Snow and mountain obscuration were factors. - [NTSB SEA06LA029](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA06LA029.md): Piper PA-28-181 · Butte, MT · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 17, 2005 · N4350F · Destroyed > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the terrain during low-level maneuvering at night. Factors included the pilot’s improper in-flight decision to continue into an area that was forecasted to possibly contain snow, fog, and low ceilings. Additional… - [NTSB SEA04GA192](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA04GA192.md): Cessna U206G · Essex, MT · Accident · 3 fatal · Final report · Sep 20, 2004 · N206SM · Destroyed > The pilot's misidentification of the airplane's location, which resulted in his improper decision to fly into the wrong drainage, and his failure to maintain terrain clearance while executing a turn to reverse course after he realized his navigational error.… - [NTSB SEA02LA162](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA02LA162.md): Infinity Powered Parachute · Lewistown, MT · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 29, 2002 · UNREG · Substantial damage > Inadequate preflight planning and inadvertent flight into adverse weather conditions. High wind conditions was a factor in the accident. - [NTSB SEA00FA095](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA00FA095.md): Cessna 414 · Monarch, MT · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 31, 2000 · N5113G · Destroyed > The failure of the pilot-in-command to ensure adequate airspeed for flight during a forced descent due to airframe icing, resulting in a stall. Factors included: freezing rain conditions, airframe icing, an improper decision by the pilot-in-command to turn… - [NTSB SEA99FA150](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA99FA150.md): Cessna 182E · Ryegate, MT · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 28, 1999 · N2886Y · Destroyed > The pilot's continued VFR flight into IMC conditions and his failure to maintain clearance from mountainous terrain. Factors include low ceilings and inadequate in-flight planning. - [NTSB SEA98FA105](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA98FA105.md): Cessna 340 · Lincoln, MT · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 19, 1998 · N88JH · Destroyed > The pilot's improper or inadequate use of the aircraft's weather avoidance equipment, resulting in penetration of a Level 4 thunderstorm and subsequent loss of aircraft control from which the pilot did not recover. Factors included a thunderstorm and the… - [NTSB SEA97FA075](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA97FA075.md): Cessna T210L · Dillon, MT · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 23, 1997 · N22219 · Destroyed > flight by the pilot into adverse weather conditions, and his failure to maintaint altitude/clearance from terrain. The adverse weather condition was a related factor. - [NTSB SEA95LA181](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA95LA181.md): Taylorcraft BC12D · St. Mary, MT · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 12, 1995 · N43597 · Destroyed > The pilot-in-command's failure to maintain proper altitude while maneuvering in high, mountainous, terrain. The terrain and the downdrafts were factors. - [NTSB SEA95LA173](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA95LA173.md): Cessna TU206F · Ennis, MT · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 7, 1995 · N777FN · Substantial damage > The pilot-in-command's inaccurate weather evaluation and continued flight into adverse weather. The microburst was a factor. - [NTSB SEA93LA106](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA93LA106.md): Piper PA-36 · Fort Benton, MT · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 9, 1993 · N56542 · Substantial damage > Inadequate inflight planning/decision. Factors to the accident were: turbulence, downdrafts, poor weather evaluation and altitude not maintained. - [NTSB SEA92FA140](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA92FA140.md): Beech A36TC · Ballantine, MT · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 29, 1992 · N3696R · Destroyed > The pilot-in-command's physical impairment and his continued VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions. Factors relating to the accident were: the weather conditions and the hilly terrain. - [NTSB SEA92LA126](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA92LA126.md): Beech K35 · Sula, MT · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 14, 1992 · N212M · Substantial damage > Poor inflight planning/decision. Factors to the accident were: delayed remedial action, a white out weather condition and inadequate clearance. - [NTSB SEA92LA110](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA92LA110.md): Piper PA-28-140 · Monarch, MT · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 29, 1992 · N6434R · Destroyed > The pilot in command's disregard of the weather forecast and failure to maintain clearance with trees/terrain. Factors contributing to the accident were: hilly/mountainous terrain, weather conditions: rain, low ceilings and downdrafts, trees and the pilot in… - [NTSB SEA92FA046](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA92FA046.md): Grumman American AA-5B · West Glacier, MT · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Feb 12, 1992 · CGRRZ · Destroyed > The inflight encounter with IMC weather by the non-instrument rated pilot. Factors relating to the accident were the weather conditions, the mountainous/hilly terrain, and lack of instrument qualification by the pilot. - [NTSB SEA92FA105](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA92FA105.md): Cessna 182R · Garrison, MT · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 30, 1992 · N8267E · Destroyed > Poor inflight planning/decision. Factors to the accident were: icing conditions, dark night, flight into known adverse weather and an inadequate weather evaluation. - [NTSB SEA91FA258](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA91FA258.md): Cessna 182Q · Lincoln, MT · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 30, 1991 · N759SN · Destroyed > The improper inflight planning/decision by the pilot to continue VFR flight into IMC conditions. Factors relating to the accident were the mountainous terrain in the area, and the low ceilings and clouds obscuring the mountains. - [NTSB SEA91LA004](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA91LA004.md): Piper PA28-140 · Hamilton, MT · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 11, 1990 · N6660W · Substantial damage > The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions. - [NTSB DEN89LA221](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN89LA221.md): Mooney M20C · Neihart, MT · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 18, 1989 · N3456X · Destroyed > VFR flight by the pilot into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) and his failure to maintain sufficient altitude. Related factors were: the high terrain and adverse weather conditions. - [NTSB DEN89LA021](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN89LA021.md): Cessna 175 · Fort Peck, MT · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 27, 1988 · N7403M · Substantial damage > The plt enctrd hvy snow at night & turned back to find a nearby landing strip that he was familiar with. He recognized a ranch house associated with the strip, but was unable to find the landing area. He began to circle in hopes that someone would turn on the… - [NTSB DEN88LA178](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN88LA178.md): Taylorcraft BC12-D · Clinton, MT · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 6, 1988 · N95855 · Substantial damage > The plt rprtd that drg takeoff from rwy 25, the winds were from 270 deg at 10 gusting 15 KTS. He stated that drg the initial climb, the airplane enctrd a severe windshear. Subsequently, he lost control & the acft struck the ground in a 40 deg nose down, 70… - [NTSB DEN88FA071](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN88FA071.md): Cessna 172M · Red Lodge, MT · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Feb 7, 1988 · N20484 · Destroyed > The plt and two pax were returning to twin falls, id from billings, MT. The plt rec two wx briefings prior to dep. The wx forecast indicated low clouds, snow, turb and icing cond along the intended route of flight. The route of flight required the plt to… - [NTSB DEN87LA163](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN87LA163.md): Cessna 182M · Livingston, MT · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 30, 1987 · N70952 · Substantial damage > The plt and an observer were conducting a search and rescue flt near the face of crazy mountain. The plt reported encountering a downdraft and the acft inadvertently stalled. The acft hit trees near the ridge line. - [NTSB DEN87LA125](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN87LA125.md): Cessna 170B · Big Sky, MT · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 16, 1987 · N1979C · Substantial damage > The private plt was flying cross country in deteriorating weather conditions. Fog was forecast and light rain was in progress. The flt encountered less than VFR conditions in a mountainous area and reversed course. Weather was below VFR on the reverse course… - [NTSB DEN87FA016](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN87FA016.md): Cessna 421C · Butte, MT · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 6, 1986 · N421AR · Destroyed > Plt was attempting the vor-b instrument apch to Butte, MT arpt. Plt reported over the coppertown VORTAC inbound on the arpt. The procedure turn inbound course to the VORTAC is 124 degrees. The inbound course to the arpt is 094 degrees. The acft wreckage was… - [NTSB DEN86FA071](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN86FA071.md): Cessna 180 · Kalispell, MT · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Feb 2, 1986 · N2874K · Destroyed > The plt received a wx briefing and filed an IFR flt plan to Boeing field, seattle, WA. He departed Kalispell, MT, at 1135 MST. When the plt arrived in the spokane area, he obtained wx reports for seattle and decided to turn around and return to Kalispell. Wx… - [NTSB DEN86LA050](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN86LA050.md): Beech V-35B · Wibaux, MT · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 18, 1985 · N24198 · Destroyed > The plt stated that light snow was falling at the arpt at the time of departure. The pax stated after the accident that the plt encountered clouds at their cruise alt of about 6000 ft. he continued to state that the acft made a shallow descent at first… - [NTSB DEN86FA039](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN86FA039.md): Beech 35-B33 · Columbia Falls, MT · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 6, 1985 · N5637K · Destroyed > The acft contacted snow covered terrain in an uncontrolled descent aprx 3 minutes after takeoff. The plt obtained a wx briefing from kalispell, MT, NWS and updated briefings from missoula and great Falls, MT, fss, for proposed night VFR flt to ogden, UT. VFR… - [NTSB DEN86LA011](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN86LA011.md): Cessna 182P · Kalispell, MT · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 13, 1985 · CGSPF · Destroyed > The plt stated that while on a return flt to calgary, alberta, Canada, over the mountainous terrain of glacier national park, he encountered a severe downdraft which forced the acft to the ground. The flt originated at kaispell, Montana. - [NTSB FTW86MA010](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW86MA010.md): Beech V35 · Bridger, MT · Accident · 4 fatal · Major investigation · Final report · Oct 3, 1985 · N8475H · Destroyed > Drg a preflt wx briefing, the plt was advised that VFR flt was not recommended due to forecast frontal activity moving southbound along his route. Severe turbulence & icing had been reported just to the north of his course. He filed a VFR flt plan & took off… - [NTSB DEN85FA236](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN85FA236.md): Piper PA-28RT-201T · Saint Mary, MT · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 5, 1985 · CGTGV · Destroyed > Plt received wx update enroute to kalispell, MT. He attempted to navigate through the glacier national park, following the 'going-to-the-sun' highway. The wx along the plt's route of flt included low cloud ceiling, limited visibility and mountain obscurement.… - [NTSB DEN85LA221](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN85LA221.md): Beech E18S · Billings, MT · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 16, 1985 · N44N · Substantial damage > The plt stated that he encountered a 'wind draft' and the acft was struck by lightning. The rt eng mount failed and the rt eng was deflected downward. Plt was unable to maintain alt and executed a forced landing in an open field. Post crash exam of the welded… - [NTSB DEN85FA202](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN85FA202.md): Cessna 172RG · Wilsall, MT · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 29, 1985 · N6156R · Destroyed > The plt obtained a wx briefing that forecast IMC. He filed a VFR flt plan and departed polson, Montana at 0830 en route to powell, Wyoming. The plt said he encountered low ceilings, low visibilities, and drizzle just past helena, Montana but he continued. The… - [NTSB DEN85LA112](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN85LA112.md): Piper PA-32RT-300T · Garneill, MT · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 6, 1985 · N21092 · Destroyed > The plt reported that during a night x-country flt, he encountered marginal (obscured) wx & reversed course to return to the departure point. He stated that while he was returning, he 'dozed off a little bit' & when he awoke, he saw a mountain directly ahead.… - [NTSB DEN85FA048](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN85FA048.md): Piper PA-32-300 · Billings, MT · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 23, 1984 · N2024M · Destroyed > On dec 23, 1984, a non instrument rated pvt plt crashed into the ground near the arpt at Billings, MT killing all three occupants onboard. Wx conditions at the time were indefinite ceiling 100 ft sky obscured, 1/2 vis with snow and fog. Theplt received prior… - [NTSB DEN84FA300](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN84FA300.md): Beech V35 · Missoula, MT · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 21, 1984 · N3736Q · Destroyed > On sept 21, 1984, a Beech 35, N3736Q crashed into the side of a mountain 16 miles NE of Missoula, MT while on a VOR/DME8INSTRUMENT approach. The plt reported icing, turbulence, and intermittant vor-dme reception. The last reported altitude by the plt was 8500… - [NTSB DEN84FA295](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN84FA295.md): Cessna 205 · Highwood, MT · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 21, 1984 · N8435Z · Destroyed > At 0053 MDT, the plt radioed great falls fss & requested wx info. He was advised of IFR conditions & was provided the latest observation. The plt requested & was provided a special VFR clearance to depart to the east. He took off at 0100 MDT & reported over… - [NTSB DEN84LA164](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN84LA164.md): Cessna 210E · Livingston, MT · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 25, 1984 · N2373F · Substantial damage > While on a visual flight plan flight the non-instrument rated plt operated his unpressurized Cessna 210 above the clouds and up to an altitude of 16500 feet MSL. The plt stated that just after passing, 'crazy peak', he encountered extreme turbulence and the… - [NTSB DEN84FA155](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN84FA155.md): Cessna 180H · Broadus, MT · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 25, 1984 · N3481Y · Substantial damage > During the initial takeoff climb in a westerly direction a severe wind gust from the south occurred at an alt of aprx 150 AGL. The plt turned the acft to the south and a rapid increase in alt of aprx 60-70 ft occurred. The wind stopped suddenly and the acft… - [NTSB DEN84FA307](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN84FA307.md): Rockwell 112TCA · Missoula, MT · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 9, 1984 · N4699W · Destroyed > The pilot had filed an IFR clearance. While taxiing to takeoff, he requested and received a clearance to climb VFR on course, via victor airway 2, with instructions to report when reaching 10,000' MSL. This was the last communication received from the pilot.… - [NTSB SEA83FA208](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA83FA208.md): Cessna 182N · Kalispell, MT · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 9, 1983 · N92368 · Destroyed > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the terrain while attempting to maneuver back to the departure airport after encountering icing conditions. Factors include icing conditions, mountainous terrain, and low ceilings. - [NTSB DEN83LA022](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN83LA022.md): Bell 206B · Near Kalispell, MT · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 21, 1982 · N5011G · Substantial damage > Acft departed hospital at missoula in good wx to assist highway accident victim 5 mi east of clinton. Victim was placed aboard helicopter on stretcher for emergency flight to hospital. About 5-6 mi east of missoula plt noticed light snow falling & observed a… - [NTSB DEN82AA132](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN82AA132.md): Piper PA-24-250 · Billings, MT · Accident · 1 fatal · Final report · Jul 9, 1982 · N5356P · Substantial damage > Plt decided to land enroute due wx. At 0803 he contacted Billings fss & was advised Billings wx was 5,000 ft broken. At 0809 he called Billings approach control (a/c) & advised he was 20 mi for landing. Enroute to arpt he was unable to locate the arpt due wx… - [NTSB DEN82FA056](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN82FA056.md): Cessna 320F · Missoula, MT · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 7, 1982 · N999LS · Destroyed > During arrival for an ILS-2 approach to runway 11, the pilot was advised to hold at the kona NDB while snowplows finished clearing the runway. At that time, the Missoula weather was 1200 ft obscured, 2 mi visibility with light snow and fog, temperature and… - [NTSB DEN82FTA09](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN82FTA09.md): Cessna 177B · Wolf Pt., MT · Accident · 1 fatal · Final report · Jan 20, 1982 · N35147 · Destroyed > The pilot reported that he encountered a snow squall while cruising at 5000 ft MSL on a VFR flight plan at night. He stated that he descended to 4000 ft MSL to try to get under the squall and continue. He was unable to remember what happened after descending… - [NTSB DEN82FTI10](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN82FTI10.md): Piper PA-28-140 · Near Bozeman, MT · Accident · Serious injuries · Final report · Jan 11, 1982 · N7273J · Destroyed > The pilot was on an early morning flight over mountainous terrain at 8500 feet. While inbound to his destination, he encountered an area of restricted visibility with snow. As he started a right turn to correct to his desired course, his passenger alerted him… ## 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" = 240) ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC ``` This list as a web page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb?occurrence=240&state=MT --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.