Premium research interface

The modern interface for aviation safety intelligence.

Search investigations, review source evidence, monitor watched reports, and trace long-term patterns from one calm, data-first workspace.

63k+
Reports indexed
1940-2026
Coverage
Recent
Last data refresh
Featured Report

Loading…

Loading featured report…

Loading…
Open Report

Safety trends by operating rule

Track fatal and non-fatal accident patterns across Part 91, Part 135, and Part 121 operations.

Loading trend charts…

Browse the aviation graph

Move quickly by aircraft, airport, operator, and time with indexes built for research, not wandering.

Last Data Update

By Decade

By Month

Aircraft Manufacturer

More manufacturers

Airports

More airports

Operators

More operators

About

Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

The goal is practical safety education: make it faster to find relevant investigations, compare similar events, review factual records, and understand the evidence behind probable-cause and preliminary reports.

The investigative work and source records belong to the National Transportation Safety Board and the published investigation record. This site is not affiliated with or endorsed by the NTSB.

FAQs

NTSB Report

July 26, 2000 · Eiriavion Oy PIK 20E · N27RT

Hamilton, MT

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 26, 2000
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury)
Location
Hamilton, MT
Aircraft
Eiriavion Oy PIK 20E
Tail Number
N27RT
Operator
Valeo James G
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
SEA00LA144

The pilot returned to his departure airport in the powered glider and entered a left downwind for runway 34. During his approach he decided he was too high and fast and executed a go-around with the intention of executing a 180 degree course reversal and landing on the reciprocal runway. A witness reported that during a high angle of bank turn and climb of about 50 feet, the aircraft entered a stall. The pilot reported that he initiated a recovery but that he 'had insufficient ground clearance to re-establish level flight and impacted the ground.'

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's entering an inadvertent stall condition during a high angle of bank turn (maneuvering), and the lack of adequate altitude in which to successfully recover before ground impact.

Full Narrative

On July 25, 2000, approximately 1810 mountain daylight time, an Eiriavion Oy PIK 20E powered glider, N27RT, co-registered to and being flown by a private pilot, was destroyed during an in-flight collision with terrain following a loss of control during a go-around maneuver at Ravalli County airport, Hamilton, Montana. The pilot sustained serious injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan had been filed. The flight, which was personal, was operated under 14CFR91, and originated at Hamilton, Montana, approximately 1715. The pilot reported that after engaging in soaring activity for a while he returned to the Ravalli County airport and entered a left downwind for runway 34. He further reported that "...final approach was too high and too fast" and that he "resolved to travel up the runway, make a 180 [degree] turn (wind and traffic not a factor) and land on RWY [runway] 16." The pilot also reported that he "made a climbing ste[e]p turn to the right and began a 180 [degree turn] to the left. Near the end of the turn, [he] over-banked and, sensing an on-coming accelerated stall, leveled the wings and dropped the nose to assume recovery. With recovery assured, [he] pulled the nose level but had insufficient ground clearance to re-establish level flight and impacted the ground" (refer to attached NTSB Form 6120.1/2). A witness (and co-owner of the aircraft) reported observing the glider begin its flare for runway 34 and stated that the glider "...seemed pretty fast...." He described the glider as climbing about 50 feet and then making a "sharp" 60 degree left turn, and noted that the glider's wings were near vertical. He stated that "...the stall occurred, [and] the glider nosed down but recovered just before hitting the soft grassy sand." (refer to attached statement).

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time18:10 MDT
Nearest AirportRavalli County (0nm)
Runway34
Runway Length4200 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftEiriavion Oy PIK 20E
Tail NumberN27RT
Aircraft CategoryGli
DamageDestroyed
OperatorValeo James G
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsRotax · 501 · Reciprocating · 43
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 58 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind4 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point36 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time23:56
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data