No fatalities

Tailwheel Pilot Aborts Takeoff, Strikes Fence After Runway Overrun (N3477C)

West Glacier, MT, US

On May 21, 2006, a Cessna 170B (registration N3477C) was involved in an aviation accident near West Glacier, MT. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to attain sufficient airspeed for flight, his attempt to abort the takeoff, and the airplane's subsequent departure off the end of the runway. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot aborted a takeoff after deciding he lacked sufficient runway and airspeed, but the aircraft overran the runway, striking a fence and vegetation. The left elevator, horizontal stabilizer, and tail wheel leaf spring were damaged.

Accident Details

During a takeoff attempt, the pilot applied full throttle. After several seconds of acceleration, he determined that the remaining runway length and airspeed were inadequate for a safe departure. He then aborted the takeoff, but the aircraft continued beyond the runway end, where it contacted a fence and vegetation.

Damage Assessment

The impact caused structural damage to the aircraft. The left elevator and horizontal stabilizer were bent, and the tail wheel main leaf spring was broken.

Pilot Experience

The pilot had recently purchased the airplane. He reported having approximately 10 hours of flight experience in that specific aircraft. All of his tailwheel flight experience was accumulated in this airplane, and his total flight experience was about 113 hours.

No other details, such as aircraft make and model, registration, location, or weather conditions, were provided in the source.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 21 May 2006 Cessna 170B accident near West Glacier, MT?

A pilot aborted a takeoff after deciding he lacked sufficient runway and airspeed, but the aircraft overran the runway, striking a fence and vegetation. The left elevator, horizontal stabilizer, and tail wheel leaf spring were damaged.

Were there any fatalities in the 21 May 2006 Cessna 170B accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 21 May 2006 involved a Cessna 170B, registration N3477C, at West Glacier, MT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to attain sufficient airspeed for flight, his attempt to abort the takeoff, and the airplane's subsequent departure off the end of the runway. Contributing factors were the impacted fence and vegetation, and his total lack of experience in type of operation.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20060621X00784. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.