# NTSB investigations, MT: Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical 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 SEA08CA010](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA08CA010.md): Welch RV-9 · Bigfork, MT · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Oct 14, 2007 · N475TW · Substantial damage > Fuel starvation while on downwind for landing. The pilot's inadequate in-flight fuel management planning was a factor. - [NTSB SEA05LA048](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA05LA048.md): Piper PA-28-140 · Superior, MT · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 9, 2005 · N6399W · Substantial damage > A loss of engine power due to the pilot's inadequate planning/decision and improper fuel management, which resulted in fuel starvation. A contributing factor was the berm. - [NTSB SEA05LA011](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA05LA011.md): Cessna T210H · Missoula, MT · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 23, 2004 · N2240R · Substantial damage > The 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. - [NTSB SEA04FA173](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA04FA173.md): Beech C35 · Kalispell, MT · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 29, 2004 · N63AC · Destroyed > The pilot's improper positioning of the fuel tank selector, which resulted in fuel starvation and a subsequent loss of engine power while maneuvering. - [NTSB SEA04LA080](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA04LA080.md): 2003 Nash Kitfox II · Broadview, MT · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 9, 2004 · N308KF · Substantial damage > Fuel starvation during cruise flight for undetermined reasons. Unsuitable terrain for a forced landing was a factor. - [NTSB SEA04LA004](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA04LA004.md): Seabase Magnum · Olney, MT · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 9, 2003 · N1966G · Substantial damage > The pilot's failure to adequately preflight the aircraft to verify the fuel quantity, resulting in fuel exhaustion and the loss of engine power during cruise flight. Contributing factors were the pilot's failure to refuel the aircraft and the soft terrain. - [NTSB SEA03LA097](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA03LA097.md): Cessna 172H · Glasgow, MT · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 7, 2003 · N2786L · Substantial damage > A loss of engine power due to carburetor icing. Contributing factors were carburetor icing conditions and the muddy, wet terrain at the landing site. - [NTSB SEA02LA111](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA02LA111.md): Rockwell S-2R Thrush · Winifred, MT · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 26, 2002 · N600DN · Substantial damage > The pilot's improper inflight decision to continue his aerial application flight after he realized the aircraft might be low on fuel. Factors include the pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a shed. - [NTSB SEA98LA142](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA98LA142.md): Socata Rallye 235E · Kalispell, MT · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 18, 1998 · N301RA · Substantial damage > The pilot-in-command's improper fuel management, resulting in fuel starvation. Related factors were insufficient altitude available for effective remedial action, and lack of suitable terrain for a forced landing. - [NTSB SEA97LA119](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA97LA119.md): Garlick UH-1H · Lolo, MT · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 22, 1997 · N95NW · Substantial damage > Fuel exhaustion due to the pilot's failure to refuel. - [NTSB SEA94LA236](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA94LA236.md): Cessna 182 · Circle, MT · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 8, 1994 · N2889R · Substantial damage > The failure of the pilot-in-command (CFI) to perform an adequate preflight inspection of the airplane, including the proper securing of the fuel cap. The pilot's failure to divert to the nearest airport after recognizing excessive fuel consumption was a… - [NTSB SEA93LA189](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA93LA189.md): Cessna 150M · Missoula, MT · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 2, 1993 · N3305V · Destroyed > The loss of engine power from fuel exhaustion due to inadequate preflt planning/preparation by the PIC. A factor related to the accident was the rough/uneven terrain at the accident site. - [NTSB SEA93LA135](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA93LA135.md): Bell 206B · Harlem, MT · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 20, 1993 · N33EA · Substantial damage > The improper refueling system procedures which allowed water to contaminate the aircraft fuel and the pilot's inadequate preflight. - [NTSB SEA93LA096](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA93LA096.md): Cessna T-210N · Laurel, MT · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 15, 1993 · N9605Y · Substantial damage > The loss of engine power from fuel exhaustion due to the pilot's failure to ensure an adequate supply of fuel for the flt. - [NTSB SEA92LA215](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA92LA215.md): Cessna T210N · Helena, MT · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 27, 1992 · N1911U · Substantial damage > Fuel exhaustion, the pilot in command's failure to refuel en route and the inability of the pilot in command to avoid the fence during the landing roll. Factors contributing to the accident were dark night conditions and the fence. - [NTSB SEA92LA081](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA92LA081.md): Piper J-5A · Broadus, MT · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 17, 1992 · N35931 · Substantial damage > Fuel system exhaustion. Factors include an inadequate preflight, inadvertent fuel dumping, and a ditch in the landing area. - [NTSB SEA91FA073](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA91FA073.md): Piper PA-30 · Butte, MT · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 29, 1991 · N7133Y · Substantial damage > Inadequate inflight decisions, fuel starvation, and failure to perform alternative IFR approach procedures. Factors include operation with known deficiencies in equipment, disorientation, and lack of familiarity with the geographic area. - [NTSB SEA91LA055](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA91LA055.md): Cessna 180 · Glasgow, MT · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 25, 1991 · N7676A · Substantial damage > The loss of engine power due to carburetor icing. Factors relating to the accident were the strong winds, high obstructions in the area and tailwind conditions for landing at the only available area. - [NTSB SEA90LA144](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA90LA144.md): Piper PA-18-150 · Jordan, MT · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 24, 1990 · N4184Z · Substantial damage > Pilot's failure to switch fuel tanks and the unsuitable terrain available for a forced landing. - [NTSB DEN90LA122](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN90LA122.md): Piper PA-38-112 · Belgrade, MT · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 3, 1990 · N9375T · Destroyed > The inadvertent stall experienced during the attempted forced landing. - [NTSB DEN90LA093](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN90LA093.md): Cessna 172 · Columbia Falls, MT · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 18, 1990 · N3233L · Substantial damage > The pilot's failure to preflight and secure the fuel cap which resulted in the loss of fuel and the loss of engine power from fuel exhaution. Factor was soft terrain during forced landing. - [NTSB DEN89LA035](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN89LA035.md): Piper PA-28-140 · Chinook, MT · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 16, 1988 · N28EF · Substantial damage > The student plt was flying cross country, solo, to take a private plt checkride. He said he became lost and flew until the fuel was exhausted. He selected a snow covered field and landed. At touchdown, the nose gear dug in and the acft nosed over. - [NTSB DEN88LA197](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN88LA197.md): Piper PA-24-260C · Hamilton, MT · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 2, 1988 · N9436P · Substantial damage > The private plt was descending to the destination arpt at the conclusion of a 3.5 hr x-country flight. The plt said he selected the right main fuel tank and flew until the 'fuel was low to the point of exhaustion.' During a right turn, with the gear extended,… - [NTSB DEN88LA135](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN88LA135.md): Bell 47G · Terry, MT · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 25, 1988 · N2243W · Substantial damage > The aircraft was on a ferry flight from alpine, WY. To belfield, ND. The plt departed alpine at approximately 0950 and made several enroute stops to refuel. The plt intended to land at miles city, MT to refuel but he got lost and flew to Terry, MT, located 38… - [NTSB DEN88LA029](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN88LA029.md): Cessna 182RG · Boulder, MT · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 25, 1987 · N2283T · Destroyed > While on a cross country flt at 6000 ft MSL, the eng lost power. Exam of the acft revealed that the left fuel tank contained 23 gallons while the right was empty. The fuel selector was found on the empty tank. The acft was destroyed during the emergency… - [NTSB DEN87LA169](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN87LA169.md): Piper PA-22-150 · Red Lodge, MT · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 5, 1987 · N5858D · Substantial damage > The plt stated that shortly after takeoff he intended to switch fuel to fullest tank but inadvertently put the fuel selector on off position. The engine failed. He did not have enough altitude or time to correct the situation and had to make a forced landing… - [NTSB DEN86FA211](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN86FA211.md): Steven Soper Pitts S-1T · Shelby, MT · Accident · Serious injuries · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 27, 1986 · N155NK · Destroyed > During initial climb after takeoff from a private ranch airstrip, the acft engine quit. The plt had inadvertently left the fuel selector switch in the no. 2 position which allowed oil, normally used to produce smoke during aerial demonstrations, to enter the… - [NTSB DEN86FA092](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN86FA092.md): Cessna 177 · Anaconda, MT · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 6, 1986 · N3476T · Destroyed > The sole surviving pax said the eng lost power during cruise flight over mountainous terrain. The plt attempted a forced landing but hit a tree and the acft crashed. Aprx 5 gals of automotive fuel were drained from wing tank. Fuel sample taken from plt's… - [NTSB DEN86LA041](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN86LA041.md): Cessna 177B · Billings, MT · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 6, 1985 · N13717 · Substantial damage > The acft was damaged during a forced landing in a fld following a loss of pwr from fuel exhaustion. The plt stated that during the preflight he checked the fuel level by the gages and not visually. The gages indicated slightly over one-half full at that time. - [NTSB DEN85LA247](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN85LA247.md): Cessna 182A · Troy, MT · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 22, 1985 · N5145D · Substantial damage > The plt said that as he approached his destination he reduced engine pwr to begin descent. The engine quit forcing the pilot to land on unsuitable terrain. Contaminated fuel was found in the fuel system. - [NTSB DEN85LA181](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN85LA181.md): Cessna 170B · Swan Lake, MT · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 6, 1985 · N2432D · Substantial damage > The plt said that prior to departure there was an estimated 14 gals of fuel on board. After aprx 30 minutes of flight the eng lost all pwr and a forced landing was accomplished in a mountainous creek bed. During the landing roll the acft struck a feeled tree… - [NTSB DEN85LA151](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN85LA151.md): Beech B35 · Chinook, MT · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 7, 1985 · N5099C · Substantial damage > About 10 min after takeoff, the acft was damaged during a forced landing after the eng began sputtering & then lost power. The plt reported that he made a normal takeoff with the cowl flaps open & the mixture rich. After climbing about 1100 ft (to 3500 ft… - [NTSB DEN85FTI02](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN85FTI02.md): Benjamin Pitts S1U · Fort Benton, MT · Accident · No injuries · Final report · Feb 24, 1985 · N155LB · Substantial damage > The acft contacted a dirt bank during a forced landing in a field following a loss of pwr shortly after takeoff. A landing was made at Fort Benton arpt where the acft was serviced with 11.85 gallons of 100 oct avgas. Post accident examination of the acft… - [NTSB DEN85LA076](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN85LA076.md): Piper PA-18 · Thompson Falls, MT · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 11, 1985 · N3777P · Substantial damage > The acft nosed over during a forced lndg on terrain covered by 20 inches of snow. The flt was on deer survey flt the plt told of improper use of the carb heat control during a period of'perfect' icing conditions. The plts reduction of power during maneuvering… - [NTSB DEN84LA260](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN84LA260.md): Bell 47G · West Glacier, MT · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 5, 1984 · N7965J · Substantial damage > Following in-flight power loss the pilot performed an autorotation to a forced landing on a highway. On touchdown, the main rotor made contact with a passing motor home. Investigation revealed no fuel on board, although the pilot calculated 0.6 hours of fuel… - [NTSB DEN84LA229](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN84LA229.md): Cessna T-206 · Kalispell, MT · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 16, 1984 · N3985G · Substantial damage > The pilot reported complete power loss while turning final. Attempts to restore pwr were unsuccessful and the aircraft was landed hard in the grass short of rwy. Investigation failed to reveal evidence of engine malfunction or failure. - [NTSB DEN84LA094](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN84LA094.md): Weatherly 201B · Townsend, MT · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 18, 1984 · N1264W · Substantial damage > The acft engine lost power on the base leg when the plt retarded the throttle. The plt landed on the rwy, but the acft started to veer to the right. The plt said he applied the brakes which did not seem to operate. Later, he said he may have had his feet on… - [NTSB DEN83LA172](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN83LA172.md): Cessna T188C · Bozeman, MT · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 22, 1983 · N2834J · Substantial damage > The acft settled into trees after the engine lost power during a swath run. The flt had been in progress for about 15 minutes. The plt started the 4th run and the acft started to settle. The plt dumped the load but did not touch the throttle or mixture. He… - [NTSB DEN83LA154](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN83LA154.md): Bell 47G-3B-1 Soloy · Townsend, MT · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 30, 1983 · N1334X · Substantial damage > The helicopter made a hard touchdown during an autorotative forced landing after the engine quit. During the landing themain rotor severed the tail boom. The pilot stretched the autorotational glide to reach a hay field and lost main rotor RPM in the process.… - [NTSB DEN83LA143](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN83LA143.md): Cessna U206 · Billings, MT · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 16, 1983 · N2187F · Substantial damage > The acft nosed over during a forced landing after the engine quit during descent for approach to land. The pilot stated that very shortly after the beginning of descent to land the engine quit at 5000 ft while he was accomplishing the checklist. The plt said… - [NTSB DEN83LA136](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN83LA136.md): Air Tractor AT-301 · Conrad, MT · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 9, 1983 · N23069 · Substantial damage > The acft landed hard and collapsed the right main landing gear during a forced landing after fuel exhaustion. During a landing to reload the pilot had handled the herbicide on-loading and a ground crewman was loading the acft fuel. The supply of 80/87 octane… - [NTSB DEN83LA034](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN83LA034.md): Cessna TR182 · Billings, MT · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 17, 1982 · N756AX · Substantial damage > After power failure pilot landed on a highway and collided with an auto. No evidence of fuel was found in the aircraft. - [NTSB DEN83LTI01](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN83LTI01.md): Scorpion 133 · Manhattan, MT · Accident · No injuries · Final report · Oct 3, 1982 · N133RW · Substantial damage > Battery failed because it had not been charged. No on board charging provision. Electric pump could not operate without electricity. No fuel to engine. During an autorotative landing, the tail rotor was damaged. With no tail rotor control, the helicopter slid… - [NTSB DEN82FTI18](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN82FTI18.md): Cessna 150 · Conrad, MT · Accident · Serious injuries · Final report · Sep 17, 1982 · N1299Q · Substantial damage > Pilot had engine lose power momentarily on a previous flight but did not concern himself about it. During this flight power was lost at 4100 feet. Pilot tried restart without success. During landing nose was lowered prior to touchdown and it caught on an… - [NTSB DEN82FA182](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN82FA182.md): Bell 206B · Billings, MT · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 4, 1982 · N49593 · Destroyed > The acft departed laramie at approximately 1600 with a full load of fuel. At 1840 the plt contacted Billings tower & stated he had a low fuel warning light. Several minutes later he radioed that he was going down. A witness observed the acft coming down "real… - [NTSB DEN82DA117](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN82DA117.md): Cessna 188 · 25nm Sw Santa R, MT · Accident · No injuries · Final report · Jun 25, 1982 · N2066J · Substantial damage > After dispensing his second load, the pilot returned to the airport where he circled to wait for traffic to clear the runway. About 1/2 way through the circle, the engine lost power and the pilot observed that the fuel gauges indicated empty. He landed on a… - [NTSB DEN82DTI13](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN82DTI13.md): Air Tractor AT-301 · Ruyard, MT · Accident · No injuries · Final report · Jun 2, 1982 · N4403S · Substantial damage > The aircraft was refueled prior to takeoff. The pilot reported that the takeoff was normal until about 75 ft off the runway when the engine quit. During a forced landing, the plane touched down in a 3-point attitude, bounced, and then hit the ground in a nose… ## 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" = 353) ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC ``` This list as a web page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb?occurrence=353&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.