# NTSB investigations, 1998, MT

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 SEA99LA017](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA99LA017.md): Champion 7ECA · Jardine, MT · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 27, 1998 · N8306V · Substantial damage
  > The pilot-in-command's failure to maintain adequate clearance with trees and terrain. Contributing factors were unfavorable winds, mountainous terrain and trees.
- [NTSB SEA99LA008](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA99LA008.md): Cessna 172K · Dillon, MT · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 26, 1998 · N736VR · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot-in-command's failure to maintain directional control. Contributing factors were rough terrain and crosswind conditions.
- [NTSB SEA99LA004](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA99LA004.md): Piper PA-18-150 · Billings, MT · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 20, 1998 · N335PA · Substantial damage
  > Directional control was not maintained. Inadequate remedial action was a factor.
- [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 SEA99LA001](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA99LA001.md): Aerospatiale SA-315B · Big Sky, MT · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 5, 1998 · N5803J · Destroyed
  > The failure of the ground handlers (chokers) to follow procedures, and separation of the tail rotor system. Contributing factors were incorrect long line hook (size), jamming of the hook release, trees and gusty wind conditions.
- [NTSB SEA98LA192](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA98LA192.md): Mayala Dragonfly · Avon, MT · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 30, 1998 · N4478V · Destroyed
  > Failure of the engine crankshaft aft oil seal resulting in the loss of engine oil, and rough terrain during the forced landing.
- [NTSB SEA98LA189](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA98LA189.md): Cessna 172D · Ronan, MT · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 29, 1998 · N2479Y · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to attain adequate airspeed during liftoff from a soft field takeoff. Factors include high density alttiude.
- [NTSB SEA98LA193](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA98LA193.md): Cessna T-50 · Missoula, MT · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 27, 1998 · N6HS · Substantial damage
  > A quick drain was open due to the pilot's inadequate preflight.
- [NTSB SEA98LA195](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA98LA195.md): Evarts Kitfox IV 1200 · Sula, MT · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 26, 1998 · N992WY · Substantial damage
  > An excessive brake application by the pilot. Factors included a narrow landing area, the pilot's failure to maintain directional control during a 180-degree taxi turn, and a tailwind.
- [NTSB SEA98LA167](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA98LA167.md): Cessna 180 · Anaconda, MT · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 15, 1998 · N9115C · Substantial damage
  > A ground-loop resulting from the pilot's inadequate remedial action while attempting to correct for an inadvertent loss of directional control during the landing roll. Factors include the loss of directional control and attempting to land with a tailwind.
- [NTSB SEA98LA166](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA98LA166.md): Cessna 175 · Missoula, MT · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 15, 1998 · N8512X · Substantial damage
  > A complete loss of crankcase oil due to a missing oil filler tube followed by the failure of a connecting rod. Factors include encountering a small pine tree during the landing roll.
- [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 SEA98LA150](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA98LA150.md): Piper PA-18 · Columbus, MT · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 26, 1998 · N1252C · Substantial damage
  > Partial loss of power for undetermined reasons. Factors include the pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for a precautionary landing.
- [NTSB SEA98LA146](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA98LA146.md): Garlick UH-1H · Libby, MT · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 24, 1998 · N83NW · Substantial damage
  > A failure of the external load cable, which became entangled in the tail rotor.
- [NTSB SEA98LA143](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA98LA143.md): McCarty Avid Magnum · Kalispell, MT · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 18, 1998 · N64KM · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind conditions. A factor was gusty wind conditions.
- [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 SEA98LA139](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA98LA139.md): Wsk Pzl Mielec M18B · Hingham, MT · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 15, 1998 · N4326M · Substantial damage
  > Restricted aileron travel for undetermined reasons.
- [NTSB SEA98LA136](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA98LA136.md): Piper PA-32-300 · Great Falls, MT · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 13, 1998 · CGDBT · Substantial damage
  > The pilot-in-command's improper remedial action and overload of the nose landing gear. Contributing factors were gusty winds and a pilot-induced oscillation (porpoise).
- [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 SEA98LA118](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA98LA118.md): Dassault Mystere Falcon 900 · Hamilton, MT · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 2, 1998 · N900CS · Substantial damage
  > Partial failure of the anti-skid brake system due to contamination.
- [NTSB SEA98LA114](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA98LA114.md): Cessna 182P · Chico Hot Spgs., MT · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 29, 1998 · N1878M · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate remedial action while attempting to compensate for a change in crosswind velocity. Factors include a crosswind, hills near the runway, and high vegetation (weeds) near the runway.
- [NTSB SEA98LA112](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA98LA112.md): Aviat Husky A-1 · Triple R Ranch, MT · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 28, 1998 · N7XJ · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's misjudgment of distance and his failure to initiate a go-around. A factor was the high density altitude.
- [NTSB SEA98LA110](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA98LA110.md): Aeronca 7-AC · Thompson Falls, MT · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 25, 1998 · N82834 · Substantial damage
  > The instructor's inadequate remedial action with the application of excessive brake pressure.
- [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 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 SEA98LA091](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA98LA091.md): Stephens Vortex · Chinook, MT · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 9, 1998 · N9261N · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control for an undetermined reason.
- [NTSB SEA98FA089](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA98FA089.md): Mooney M20A · Canyon Creek, MT · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 7, 1998 · N1048B · Destroyed
  > The design stress limits of the aircraft was exceeded. The pilot's inadequate preflight planning/preparation, lack of an instrument rating, poor weather evaluation and low ceilings and mountain obscuration were factors.
- [NTSB SEA98FA078](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA98FA078.md): Piper PA-31T1 · Great Falls, MT · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 19, 1998 · N121BE · Destroyed
  > The flight crew's failure to maintain aircraft control.
- [NTSB SEA98LA073](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA98LA073.md): Aero Commander 500-A · Billings, MT · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 9, 1998 · N9382R · Substantial damage
  > Failure of the main landing gear strut outer-body to inner-body needle bearing from the lack of lubrication and the development of corrosion. An inadequate manufacturer's inspection program was a factor.
- [NTSB SEA98LA066](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA98LA066.md): Ercoupe 415-D · Colstrip, MT · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 22, 1998 · N2777H · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's operation of the aircraft above maximum gross weight, resulting in her inability to attain a sustained climb rate after becoming airborne. A factor was high density altitude conditions.
- [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 SEA98FA062](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA98FA062.md): Mooney M20F · Lodgepole, MT · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 6, 1998 · N9131V · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the terrain after flying into an area of known adverse weather. Factors include low ceilings, fog, snow showers, drizzle, and trees along his intended route.
- [NTSB SEA98LA057](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA98LA057.md): Aeronca 7-EC · Glendive, MT · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 1, 1998 · N4382C · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's delayed remedial action and his inadvertent entry into a ground loop.
- [NTSB SEA98LA051](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA98LA051.md): Piper PA-22 · Kalispell, MT · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 24, 1998 · N1770A · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate crosswind correction during landing. A factor was a crosswind.
- [NTSB SEA98LA049](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA98LA049.md): Cessna 177A · Laurel, MT · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 23, 1998 · N177MT · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's excessive descent rate on final, and improper recovery from a bounced landing.
- [NTSB SEA98LA037](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA98LA037.md): Piper PA-11 · Bridger, MT · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 15, 1998 · N947MG · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot's failure to maintain airspeed during a bounced landing recovery.
- [NTSB SEA98LA036](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA98LA036.md): Piper PA-17 · Bozeman, MT · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 15, 1998 · N4835H · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff.
- [NTSB SEA98LA031](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA98LA031.md): Cessna 150F · Havre, MT · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jan 30, 1998 · N8798G · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot's loss of control after his failure to maintain airspeed. Factors include his lack of total flight experience and incapacitation due to alcohol.

## 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 year(c."eventDate") = 1998
  AND c."eventStateOrRegion" = 'MT' AND c."eventCountry" = 'USA'
ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC
```

This list as a web page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb?state=MT&year=1998

---
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.