NTSB investigations, MT
180,624 investigations by the National Transportation Safety Board since 1962: 174,602 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 DEN86LA041Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 177B · Billings, MTThe 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 DEN86LA040Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportHelio H-391B · Bozeman, MTAccording to personnel in the area, the plt radioed he had smoke in the cockpit and was returning to gallantin field, his departure point. Later, the plt transmitted that the eng lost total pwr and he was making a forced landing. During the investigation, it…NTSB DEN86FA039Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 35-B33 · Columbia Falls, MTThe 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 DEN86LA011Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 182P · Kalispell, MTThe 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 FTW86MA010Accident · 4 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportBeech V35 · Bridger, MTDrg 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 DEN85LA247Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 182A · Troy, MTThe 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 DEN85FA236Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28RT-201T · Saint Mary, MTPlt 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 DEN85LA221Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBeech E18S · Billings, MTThe 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 DEN85LA220Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBeech 76 · Sula, MTPlt stated that he overflew airstrip to 'make sure it was clear.' During the landing roll, he saw shrubbery on the rwy and attempted evasive action. The acft veered left and the left main gear rolled into a drainage ditch and the left wing contacted a fence…NTSB DEN85LA218Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportDowner Aircraft Industries REP. Seabee RC-3 · Haugan, MTThe plt had reconditioned N6305K and was flying the acft to his home in Texas. He continued to state that while climbing through 6500 ft, he heard an unusual noise followed by a substantial loss in pwr. The plt executed an emergency landing on a forest…NTSB DEN85LA209Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportStinson 108-1 · Superior, MTThe plt was flying with his wife on a pleasure flight to Idaho when smoke started coming into the cabin. Engine oil pressure went to zero. The plt secured the engine and made a forced landing to a farmer's field. The acft was substantially damaged; however,…NTSB DEN85FA202Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172RG · Wilsall, MTThe 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 DEN85LA193Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 182P · Missoula, MTThe pilot lost directional control during the touchdown phase of landing. The aircraft was substantially damaged when it veered off the runway and nosed over in the soft dirt.NTSB DEN85LA194Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 170B · Kalispell, MTThe plt was returning from a local pleasure flt, it was a hot day. The plt said that he inadvertently leveled the acft aprx 10 ft high. He said the acft stalled causing a hard landing. The impact caused substantial damage to the acft.NTSB DEN85LA192Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 170B · Missoula, MTThe pilot stated that he did not use proper technique and did not maintain directional control while landing in a brisk and direct crosswind. The airplane was substantially damaged in the hard landing that was followed by a ground loop.NTSB DEN85FA179Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper J3C-65 · Columbus, MTAfter making a low pass over his pax home, the plt pulled the acft up abruptly and stalled at a very low altitude. The alt was too low for the plt to effect a successful recovery before ground impact.NTSB DEN85LA181Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 170B · Swan Lake, MTThe 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 DEN85FTI04Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportFailing/Rand-Robinson KR-2 · Laurel, MTDrg a test flt, the plt made a fast taxi run, then took off on rwy 21. After takeoff, he made a gradual climb & shallow left turns to a downwind, circled the arpt & reentered a downwind for rwy 21. Witnesses reported that the plt made a power reduction &…NTSB DEN85FA153Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32R-300 · Melstone, MTThe 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…NTSB DEN85LA151Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBeech B35 · Chinook, MTAbout 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 DEN85LA149Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBeech V35B · Kalispell, MTN904V, a privately owned B-35, skidded off to the side of a runway during landing. The plt said that he inadvertently activated the gear up switch instead of the flap switch. The right landing gear collapsed causing the plt to lose control of acft.NTSB DEN85LA150Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18-135 · Cut Bank, MTThe purpose of the flt was to clean the acft spray sys. The plt reported that he initiated a downhill/donwind takeoff in winds that were light, but gusting. At lift-off, the plt lost directional control & the acft mushed & crashed. The plt believed the…NTSB DEN85FA141Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 414 · Billings, MTThe plt was making a short (35 minutes) local flt to 'check N333AA over' before turning it over to its new owner. The acft collided with the ground in a steep descent, wings level, attitude during an entry into the traffic pattern at Billings, Montana. VMC…NTSB DEN85LA135Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172 · Loma, MTThe acft contacted power lines which cross over the Missouri river. The lines are aprx 150-200 ft above the river on one side and aprx 45 ft above the river on the opposite side. The plt stated he was flying along the river at an alt of aprx 75 ft when…NTSB DEN85LA133Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-36 · Rapelje, MTThe acft settled back to ground contact after reaching an alt (EST by the plt) of 60 ft AGL during takeoff initial climb. The plt stated that he recognized the acft was settling toward the ground & noticed a dissipation of airspeed. The plt said that he then…NTSB DEN85FA131Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportConsolidated-Vultee PBY-5A · Lewistown, MTDuring taxi to takeoff the brakes failed. The plt attempted to groundloop the acft. The acft rolled down hill and collided with a gully. The plt was fatally injured. During preflight the co-plt inadvertently added hydraulic fluid in the alcohol tank. The…NTSB DEN85LA119Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172 · Opheim, MTThe plt took off on a wet-soft airstrip which made the takeoff run longer than normal. The initial climb was at minimum airspeed when gusty winds caused the acft to stall. The acft impacted the ground and was substantially damaged.NTSB DEN85LA112Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32RT-300T · Garneill, MTThe 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 DEN85FTI03Accident · No injuriesFinal reportHilliard B-8-M · Clinton, MTThe gyrocopter inadvertently became airborne during a high speed taxi run. The plt reported that at an alt of aprx 10-15 ft AGL he 'cut the engine speed to idle, and pulled the joystick fully back to land.' This action put the gyrocopter in a nose high…NTSB DEN85LA093Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 421C · Butte, MTWhile in level flt the plt noticed a puff of smoke emit from the left engine, followed by the appearance of hydraulic fluid and the illumination of the left and right hydraulic flow lights. The plt lowered the landing gear during the apch, however, the nose…NTSB DEN85LA085Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18 · Polson, MTThe plt stated a 35 kt gust of wind from the north lifted the tail of the acft to the left. The acft veered right, contacted a snow bank and nosed over. The plt was taxiing on rwy 18 after landing when the accident occurred.NTSB DEN85FTI02Accident · No injuriesFinal reportBenjamin Pitts S1U · Fort Benton, MTThe 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 DEN85FA084Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportTaylorcraft BC-65 · Chinook, MTThe airplane was observed to enter a shallow right climbing turn at about 200 feet AGL after making a low pass over friends. Witnesses said the airplane then stalled and dove to the ground. There was no evidence of airframe, eng, prop, flt control, or syst…NTSB DEN85LA082Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Kalispell, MTThe acft collided with a snowbank during the landing roll following a loss of directional control. The plt reported that the left brake froze or locked up when it was applied during the landing. Inspection revealed that there was a substantial amount of ice…NTSB DEN85LA076Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18 · Thompson Falls, MTThe 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 DEN85LA063Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150 · Missoula, MTOn jan 14, 1985, a Cessna 150 nosed over after landing on a highway near Missoula, MT. The pilot stated he lost partial engine power due to carburetor icing conditions encountered enroute from great falls, MT. The pilot and his passenger were not injured. The…NTSB DEN85LA060Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBeech B36TC · Billings, MTPlt used cannula connected to portable oxygen system during climb starting at 11,000 ft MSL. At FL 170 plt switched to a mask connected to acft oxygen ststem. At FL 250, plt complained of stomach pains for aprx 1/2 hr. Plt then stated to his son that his…NTSB DEN85FTI01Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportPolliwagen 2 Place · Manhattan, MTThe acft crashed in an open flt shortly after takeoff and was destroyed by fire. There were no witnesses to the accident. The plt reportedly stated he needed to depart Manhattan by 0500 MST to arrive in helena before 0600 MST when the ATC twr opened as his…NTSB DEN85LA054Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 180 · Marion, MTThe acft nosed over onto its back after the plt landed in snow 6 to 8 inches in depth.NTSB DEN85LA050Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18 · Poplar, MTAccording to the plt he was flying the acft 'low and slow' to look for deer when the accident occurred. He stated that he pulled the power back to glide down and observe wildlife and when he reapplied power there was severe hesitation and the eng did not pick…NTSB DEN85FA048Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-300 · Billings, MTOn 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 DEN85LA039Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportTaylorcraft BC12-D · Conrad, MTPlt stated takeoff was being made on a dirt trail, heading 270 degrees, with a 20 kt headwind. Just prior to rotation wind shifted to a direction from the south-southwest. Acft drifted off right side of trail, contacted a ditch and nosed over.NTSB DEN85LA020Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportAerospatiale SA316B · Lima, MTAprx 35 min prior to the accident the seismic operations being conducted about 10 mi NE were secured due to poor visibility and high winds. The plt estimated wind to have been from 180 deg at 40 KTS gusting to 60. As the plt approached the landing zone…NTSB DEN85LA013Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18 · Loring, MTAcft stalled while making a downwind turn during slow flight at a low alt while on a cattle survey flt. Acft descended, impacted the terrain and was destroyed by fire.NTSB DEN85LA011Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportHelio Courier · Livingston, MTPrior to the attempted takeoff fss advised the plt of wind from 250 deg at 20 gusting to 30 KTS and informed him that rwy 26 would be the preferred rwy. The plt elected to use rwy 22. During the takeoff roll the right wing rose in a gust but control was…NTSB DEN85LA004Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportAerospatiale SE316B · East Glacier, MTThe acft crashed at a remote landing site while on a seismic operation. The plt stated that he departed a ridge- top with intentions of dropping off 2 to 4 passg at another ridgetop located one-half mi south. The intended ldg point was a narrow ridgetop at…NTSB DEN84LA305Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Missoula, MTPlt flared abruptly and acft floated before it touched down hard on the rwy collapsing the nose gear. Acft traveled 20 ft off the right side of the rwy before coming to rest.NTSB DEN84FA300Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech V35 · Missoula, MTOn 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 DEN84FA295Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 205 · Highwood, MTAt 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 DEN84FA294Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna A185F · Fort Peck, MTPlt attempted to takeoff from a calm part of reservoir. The wave heights were estimated to be 4 to 6 feet. The arft struck several waves during the takeoff run. The rt wing tip dragged in the water causing the acft to nose over. The acft came to rest…