Casualties unknown

Piper PA-18-135 Loses Directional Control on Takeoff in Marion, Montana (N60733)

Marion, MT, US

On April 23, 2003, a Piper PA-18-135 (registration N60733) was involved in an aviation accident near Marion, MT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot-in-command's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll resulting in the aircraft leaving the runway, crossing a ditch and collapsing the landing gear. A contributing factor was the ditch. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A Piper PA-18-135 lost directional control during takeoff from a turf runway in Marion, Montana, departed the runway, crossed a ditch, and collapsed its main landing gear.

Event Description

On an unspecified date, a Piper PA-18-135 aircraft was being operated by its pilot/owner, who was accompanied by his wife. The takeoff was initiated from runway 12, a turf/grass strip at Marion, Montana. Winds at the time were reported as light and out of the southeast.

Loss of Control and Runway Excursion

During the takeoff roll, the pilot reported a loss of directional control of the aircraft. Subsequently, the aircraft departed the runway, crossed a ditch, and the main landing gear collapsed. The pilot stated that no mechanical malfunction occurred with the aircraft during the event.

Damage

The main landing gear collapsed as a result of the runway excursion.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20030425X00569. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.