Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane during the takeoff with a gusty left quartering crosswind.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that during takeoff, the airplane was about 5 ft above the ground when it encountered a gust of wind from the left, which pushed the airplane to the left and it impacted the ground. During the accident sequence, the left wing struck the ground, which resulted in substantial damage to the left wing. At the time of the accident, the pilot was departing runway 33, and the wind was from 310° at 16 knots, gusting to 27 knots.
The pilot reported there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR24LA180 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 5, 2024
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Butte, Montana
- Nearest airport
- Bert Mooney (BTM)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Republic RC-3
- N-number
- N87583
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1946
- 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.