Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain lateral control of the airplane during takeoff in a quartering tailwind.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during takeoff, the right wing lifted "unexpectedly." He attempted to recover, but the left main landing gear sideloaded and collapsed. The left wing impacted the runway, and the airplane rotated to the left 180° and came to rest on the runway.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
The automated weather observation station located on the airport reported that, about 7 minutes before the accident, the wind was from 320° at 14 knots. The airplane was departing from runway 21.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA18CA481 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 11, 2018
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Great Falls, Montana
- Nearest airport
- Great Falls Intl (GTF)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Helio H 295
- N-number
- N77TR
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1965
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.