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

June 17, 2002 · Cessna 180K · N66471

Helena, MT

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 17, 2002
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Helena, MT
Aircraft
Cessna 180K
Tail Number
N66471
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
SEA02LA104

During the takeoff roll on the 2,980-foot long, asphalt runway, during calm wind conditions, the pilot of the Cessna 180K elected to abort due to a perceived inadequate power situation. During the aborted takeoff he applied brakes with no initial response and then more firmly at which time the left brake grabbed and the aircraft veered to the left. The pilot was unable to maintain directional control and the aircraft’s right main gear collapsed. Post-crash examination of the aircraft's wheels and brakes revealed that both brake discs appeared to be overheated. The left wheel still rotated and stopped with the application of left brake. The right brake could not be tested in this fashion as it had separated from the airframe. The parking brake was found disengaged and functioned satisfactorily following the accident.

NTSB Probable Cause

Binding brakes for undetermined reasons and the pilot's failure to maintain directional control during an aborted takeoff.

Full Narrative

On June 17, 2002, approximately 0900 mountain daylight time, a Cessna 180K, N66471, registered to and being operated/flown by a private pilot sustained substantial damage during a loss of control/ground loop while executing an aborted takeoff at the Helena Regional airport, Helena, Montana. The pilot and pilot rated passenger were uninjured. Visual meteorological conditions existed and no flight plan had been filed. The flight, which was personal, was operated under 14CFR91 and was planned as a local flight. The pilot reported to an FAA inspector from the Helena Flight Standards District Office that during the takeoff on runway 16, which is 2,980-foot long, the aircraft accelerated normally until reaching approximately 40 knots. He then felt that the aircraft did not have sufficient airspeed and he initiated an aborted takeoff. As he applied brakes after touching down on the remaining runway the aircraft swerved left and ground looped and the right wing outboard of the flap/aileron seam impacted terrain. The pilot later reported that he decided to abort the takeoff about one-third of the way down the runway. He retarded the throttle to idle and then "...brakes [were] gently applied, [with] no obvious response. More firmly applied. [The] left brake grabbed, [the] plane began to turn to left. Right [brake] applied more firmly [with] no response. Right brake repeatedly firmly applied but [the] plane continued to turn left; no apparent response to right brake attempts..." (refer to NTSB Form 6120.1/2). The winds were calm at Helena Regional airport at the time of the accident and the pilot rated passenger reported that the runway was "damp." A mechanic examined the aircraft subsequent to the accident and reported that both brake discs appeared to be "overheated." The left wheel still rotated and stopped with the application of left brake. The right brake could not be tested in this fashion as it had separated from the airframe. The parking brake was found disengaged and functioned satisfactorily following the accident.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:00 MDT
Nearest AirportHelena Regional (0nm)
Runway34
Runway Length2980 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 180K
Tail NumberN66471
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · O-470-U · Reciprocating · 230
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 47 · Third Class · None
Crew 2Age 40 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point66 F / 52
Altimeter29.89 inHg
Observation Time14:41
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data