NTSB investigations, MT
180,616 investigations by the National Transportation Safety Board since 1962: 174,594 accidents, the rest incidents and other occurrences. Each has NTSB’s narrative and, once the investigation is done, its probable cause; since 2008, its findings and sequence of events.
Cases, newest first
Query with SQL
duckdb -csv -c "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' 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.
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' ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC
Run it at the DuckDB prompt, or in any tool that reads Parquet over HTTPS. More ways to query the release are on Use the data.
NTSB DEN87LA169Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-22-150 · Red Lodge, MTThe 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 DEN87LA163Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 182M · Livingston, MTThe 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 DEN87FA147Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 206L-1 · Choteau, MTThe EMS helicopter was returning to great falls, MT, on 6/5/87 when it crashed. Its occupants had earlier participated in a rescue seminar at many glacier, MT. The wreckage was not found until 6/9/87. A video tape recovered from the wreckage disclosed the…NTSB DEN87LA144Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 188B · Malta, MTAfter takeoff on initial climb the acft had a pwr loss which resulted in a forced landing. A hard landing occurred in an open field which sheared off the main landing gear and damaged the airframe. The cause of the pwr loss could not be determined.NTSB DEN87LA139Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18-150 · Wolf Point, MTThe pilot was on approach to his private strip at approxiamtely 25 feet AGL when the aircraft stalled. The aircraft dropped onto the runway, the pilot added full power attempting to recover, the left wing dipped and struck the ground.NTSB DEN87LA125Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 170B · Big Sky, MTThe 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 DEN87LA119Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna A188B · St. Ignatius, MTAn ag plt was spraying a field near the local arpt, at 100 feet AGL. During an aerial application maneuver, the engine made a loud bang and stopped. The plt leveled the acft, selected a landing site and landed. During the roll out, the acft crossed an…NTSB DEN87LA118Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-22-150 · Missoula, MTThe private plt was practicing touch and go landings. While on a takeoff roll, a gust of wind lifted the right wing and pushed the acft off the rwy to the left. Directional control was lost and the acft taxied through high grass parallel to the rwy. The nose…NTSB DEN87LA086Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBoeing A75L3 · Belgrade, MTThe plt report that he was landing on a 9000 x 150 ft asphalt rwy. The wind was nearly down the rwy at 4 to 9 KTS. In a telephone interview 2 days after the accident the plt reported that he was making a 'wheels' landing. He said when the main gear was about…NTSB DEN87LA084Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportAir Tractor AT-301 · Conrad, MTAn ag plt was returning from an aerial application. Six miles from the destination arpt the engine quit. The plt attempted to land on a road but the acft struck the edge of a pit, spun across the road and came to rest facing 180 degrees from the original…NTSB DEN87LA075Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportAeronca 7AC · Columbus, MTA pre-solo student and CFI were practicing landings. The CFI reduced pwr on climbout at 300 to 400 feet. During the discussion of what to do in case of lost pwr on takeoff, the student executed a steep, 180 degree turn, toward the arpt. The acft stalled, and…NTSB DEN87LA067Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-31-350 · Missoula, MTThe plt of the Piper navajo was taxiing to the active rwy for an IFR departure, directed his attention to the departure procedure chart in the cockpit, and collided with the tail of a swearingen acft holding short of the rwy awaiting takeoff clearance.NTSB DEN87FA042Accident · Serious injuriesField investigationFinal reportAero Commander 690A · Miles City, MTThe plt of the nonscheduled domestic pax air taxi flt was flying the vor/dme rwy 22 apch to wiley field, Miles City, MT. The plt said he turned on the autopilot and after turning inbound from the procedure turn towards the faf he engaged the apch mode. After…NTSB DEN87FA037Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18-150 · Lewistown, MTOn the morning of the day of the accident the private plt/owner and his friend took off on an all day coyote hunting flt. When the acft failed to return that evening an air and ground search was begun. The burned wreckage of the acft was found 3 days later…NTSB DEN87IA032Incident · No injuriesIncident investigationFinal reportSwearingen SA226TC · Billings, MTN124AV was operating as big sky airlines flt 3857, scheduled service from helena to Billings. The flt proceeded uneventfully until the apch into Billings. The flt crew stated after the incident that when the landing gear was extended, the left main gear…NTSB DEN87LA030Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-12 · Opheim, MTThe plt elected to take off downhill because he said the hill was too steep to try a takeoff uphill even into the wind. He said that just prior to lift off, he hit a snowbank which slowed the acft down. Deeper snow was then contacted and the acft flipped over.NTSB DEN87LA029Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18-150 · Havre, MTThe plt inadvertently stalled the acft during pull-up after making a pass 20 ft above coyotes on the ground. The acft impacted level terrain and slid through a wire fence.NTSB DEN87LA027Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 152A · Great Falls, MTThe student plt was cleared to make a touch-&-go landing on rwy 21. As he was lndg, he noticed the arresting barrier (cable) was raised. He added full pwr & pulled back on the yoke to avoid hitting the cable. The acft lifted off, but its tail hit the cable.…NTSB DEN87LA021Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna A188B · Rock Springs, MTDuring the initial takeoff ground run in high wind conditions the acft drifted to the right, impacted a dirt bank, ground looped and nosed down. During the ground loop the left wing struck the ground, damaging the main spar.NTSB DEN87FA018Accident · Serious injuriesField investigationFinal reportBell 206L-3 · Billings, MTWhile on takeoff from a hospital roof top helipad on an emergency medical service flt, a synchronized elevator cover blew off and struck the tail rotor. This resulted in an inflight separation of one tail rotor blade and a loss of anti-torque control. The plt…NTSB DEN87FA016Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 421C · Butte, MTPlt 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 DEN87FA014Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172M · Bozeman, MTThe plt and his 2 pax's went flying to spot elk in a canyon area. A witness observed the acft low over trees when it suddenly shuddered, banked sharply to the left, then entered a steep descent. The aircraft crashed in a wooded area on the side of the canyon.…NTSB DEN87LA013Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPitts S-1D · Shelby, MTThe plt took off with little or no warmup, pushed the acft to max performance at 10 ft, performed a max performance climb to 300 to 400 ft and reduced throttle to idle. As the acft reached stall speed, the plt dived at a 45 degree angle and impacted the…NTSB DEN87FA002Accident · Serious injuriesField investigationFinal reportPiper J3C-65 · Richey, MTAfter making a low pass so the passenger could shoot at a coyote, the plt initiated a rgt turn to position the acft for another pass. While in the turn, the acft impacted the ground. The plt stated that the passenger (rear seat occupant) was partially out the…NTSB DEN86LA247Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportGrumman AA-1A · Chinook, MTThe acft took off on a 3900-foot dry asphalt rwy. An uncommanded left yaw developed which the plt was unable to counter. The acft struck a fence off the left side of the rwy and nosed over.NTSB FTW86FA154Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-12 · Big Sandy, MTStudent pilot on unauthorized cross country flight departed unimproved field on VFR flight for the purpose of spotting game. Weather conditions in the area were conducive for light to moderate turbulence. Witnesses reported the acft wings rocked violently…NTSB DEN86LA236Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportMayala Dragonfly · Helena, MTThe acft was on final apch after completing a x-country from billings, MT, when the accident occurred. The plt stated the acft was low after intercepting the VASI so power was added; however, the eng did not respond. The acft struck a small hill 300 ft short…NTSB DEN86LA234Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna T210M · Dillon, MTPlt said he called UNICOM for arpt advisory and heard operator say something about six. He thought she said rwy 6 was the preferred rwy (there is no rwy 6 at Dillon arpt). Operator actually said rwy 16 was the preferred rwy. Plt landed past midway point of…NTSB DEN86LA228Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportE. E. Schilling Q-2 · Billings, MTPlt stated after accident that he had a minor eng problem prior to departure from big timber. He stated that the problem was corrected and the flight commenced to Billings. While on final approach to rwy 04 at Billings the plt experienced a partial loss of…NTSB DEN86FA211Accident · Serious injuriesField investigationFinal reportSteven Soper Pitts S-1T · Shelby, MTDuring 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 DEN86LA188Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper J-3 · Ashland, MTPlt did not possess a plt certificate or medical certificate. The plt stated that he fueled the acft with the 'last gas in the storage tank.' The plt preflighted the acft and took off. Shortly after takeoff the engine lost power. The plt executed a landing in…NTSB DEN86LA183Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-25-235 · Bynum, MTAfter the first landing on a gravel road for reloading liquid insecticide the pilot attempted to take off for an aerial application flight. During the take off ground roll the pilot observed that the left door was not properly closed. He momentarily reduced…NTSB DEN86FA181Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-236 · Townsend, MTOn 6/26/86, the plt & his wife had flown from helena, MT. To powell, WY, to visit family & relatives. On the day of the acdnt, he had consumed alcoholic beverages. Despite pleas fm his wife not to return to helena that evening, he elected to fly back. While…NTSB DEN86LA180Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportMathew M. Kerr Starduster TOO · Roundup, MTDuring the telephone interview, the plt stated the acft landed hard, collapsing the right main gear & broke the right wing spar.NTSB DEN86LA178Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 182F · Joliet, MTAccording to the plt, horses ran in front of him during landing and he was forced to make evasive maneuvers. During the evasive maneuvers, the acft ground looped and was substantially damaged.NTSB DEN86LA172Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 180K · Ronan, MTAccording to the plt, during the takeoff ground run, his seat slid to the full aft position. The plt stated he lost control & the acft ground looped.NTSB DEN86LA164Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-25-260 · Toston, MTThe plt reports that he took off from an ag strip about a mile from the fld being treated and was making a turn-around after his second swath run when the acft began to settle. He dumped his chem but the acft continued to settle and impacted the ground. The…NTSB DEN86LA154Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-25-260 · Harve, MTAccording to the plt, shortly after takeoff the eng lost partial pwr as a result of carb ice, & a forced landing was made.NTSB DEN86LA143Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18 · Decker, MTThe plt attempted to make a downwind landing in a grass covered pasture, landed long and attempted to make a go-around. During the go-around with the flaps retracted the aircraft struck a wire fence and impacted a horse trailer. The aircraft was destroyed.…NTSB DEN86LA134Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172H · Great Falls, MTThe plt reported that after landing on rwy 24 he was back taxiing on rwy 06 when he encountered strong, gusty surface winds. He said he stopped and was looking for a place to tie down when a strong gust flipped the acft onto its back. Surface wind at the time…NTSB DEN86FA128Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportSwearingen SA226AT · Billings, MTWhile on an IFR flt plan in IMC, the plt executed a missed approach after flying a localizer back course 27 approach. During a subsequent ILS rwy 09L approach, radio and radar contact with the acft was lost lost. The acft wreckage was located on the inbound…NTSB DEN86LA100Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna A185F · Bozeman, MTAccording to the plt, shortly after touchdown, the right wing came up and the acft seemed to be pushed to the left. The plt said before he regained control, the left wing and horizontal stabilizer contacted the ground. The plt later learned that a Boeing 767…NTSB DEN86FA092Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 177 · Anaconda, MTThe 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 DEN86LA087Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportAeronca 7AC · Red Lodge, MTThe plt stated that during the ground roll phase of landing at Red Lodge, MT, he lost control of the acft which entered into a ground loop to the right. Just prior to the acft departing the right side of the rwy, he applied maximum braking, and the acft nosed…NTSB DEN86LA086Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Wisdom, MTThe student plt departed minden, NV on an unauthorized x-co flt that terminated in the accident at Wisdom, MT. During the landing roll at an abandoned arpt at Wisdom, the nose of the acft dug into the snow covered runway and the acft nosed over. The plt…NTSB DEN86FA071Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 180 · Kalispell, MTThe 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 DEN86FA069Accident · No injuriesField investigationFinal reportBell 206L-1 · Missoula, MTThe helicopter, equipped with landing skid snow pads, was parked on a narrow ramp extension to a roof top helipad that was surrounded by a concrete curb. Upon takeoff to a hover, the right snow pad struck and became momentartily caught on bolts protruding…NTSB DEN86LA050Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBeech V-35B · Wibaux, MTThe 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 DEN86LA046Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 206 · Hardin, MTAfter ldg to the east on a snow covered dirt rwy, the pilot elected to t/o on an intersecting rwy to the south. He could not see the entire rwy surface from the position due to dwn slope from center of rwy. The acft impacted snowdrifts 40-50 mph on t/o gnd…NTSB DEN86LA042Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172P · Missoula, MTThe solo student plt was attempting to land during a local flt when he lost control of the acft during the landing roll. The plt stated that the acft veered to one side of the ice covered rwy where it contacted 6 to 8 inches of snow, the acft continued…