NTSB Preliminary Report on Cirrus SR22T Crash Near Lincoln Montana

NTSB Releases Preliminary Findings on Cirrus SR22T Accident Near Lincoln, Montana

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has issued its preliminary report regarding the fatal aviation accident that occurred on October 24, 2025, near Lincoln, Montana. The investigation, identified under case number WPR26FA032, focuses on the crash of a Cirrus Design Corp SR22T, registered as N740TS. This initial document provides a factual account of the sequence of events leading up to the accident but does not yet establish a probable cause. We are analyzing the details provided by federal investigators to understand the circumstances surrounding this tragic event.

The accident resulted in the fatality of the sole occupant, identified as 65-year-old Nicholas James Arotta. The aircraft was destroyed following a collision with terrain and a subsequent post-impact fire. As the investigation proceeds, the aviation community looks to these factual reports to understand the operational environment and flight parameters that existed at the time of the incident. The release of the preliminary report marks the first phase of a comprehensive inquiry that is expected to continue for over a year.

We note that the preliminary report relies on initial evidence gathered from radar data, witness statements, and on-site wreckage examination. While it offers a timeline of the flight’s final moments, it is important to recognize that these findings are subject to change as more data becomes available. The NTSB’s objective remains to determine the facts, conditions, and circumstances of the accident to enhance future transportation safety.

Flight History and Sequence of Events

According to the NTSB report, the aircraft was conducting a personal flight under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Flight tracking data indicates that the Cirrus SR22T departed from Spokane-Felts Field (SFF) in Washington, with a filed destination of Lincoln Airport (S69) in Montana. The flight proceeded towards its destination, arriving in the vicinity of the airport at approximately 9:15 PM local time. The environmental conditions at the time were reported as Night Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC), implying that visibility was generally sufficient for visual flight rules, despite the darkness.

A critical detail noted in the investigation is the pilot’s interaction with the airport environment. Upon arrival, the pilot activated the pilot-controlled runway lighting via radio frequency. This action confirms that the aircraft’s electrical systems were functioning to a degree that allowed radio transmission and that the pilot was actively managing the approach. Witnesses and data suggest the aircraft executed a pass over the runway environment. In non-towered operations, particularly at night or in mountainous terrain, such a maneuver is often utilized to assess runway conditions or verify wind direction before committing to a landing.

Following this initial pass, the aircraft was observed initiating a turn, maneuvering back towards the airport. This movement suggests an intention to enter a downwind leg or realign for a final approach. However, during this maneuvering phase, the flight path intersected with obstacles. The report states that the aircraft collided with trees and terrain approximately 0.5 miles north of the airport. The proximity to the runway indicates the accident occurred during a critical phase of flight where altitude margins are naturally reduced.

“The aircraft was observed executing a pass over the runway environment… Following this pass, the aircraft initiated a turn, maneuvering back towards the airport.”, NTSB Preliminary Report WPR26FA032

Wreckage Examination and Environmental Context

The wreckage was located in a wooded area roughly half a mile from the runway surface. Investigators arriving at the scene documented that the collision resulted in a significant post-impact fire. This fire consumed a majority of the fuselage, which complicates the examination of certain flight control systems and cockpit instrumentation. Despite the damage, NTSB specialists are tasked with documenting all recoverable components to rule out or identify any pre-impact mechanical anomalies.

The environment surrounding Lincoln Airport presents specific challenges for aviation operations. Situated in a valley and surrounded by rising terrain, the airport sits at an elevation of approximately 4,500 feet Mean Sea Level (MSL). We understand that night operations in mountainous regions require heightened situational awareness, as the lack of visual cues can make terrain avoidance more difficult. The preliminary report notes these environmental factors but does not currently attribute the crash to them directly.

The aircraft involved, a Cirrus SR22T GTS G6 Carbon, is a high-performance single-engine airplane equipped with the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS). In many investigations involving this airframe, the status of the parachute system is a key point of interest. In this specific instance, initial reports do not indicate that the CAPS was successfully deployed prior to impact. The investigation will likely continue to analyze the wreckage to determine the configuration of the airframe and systems at the moment of collision.

Ongoing Investigation and Future Reports

The release of the preliminary report concludes the initial on-scene phase of the investigation. The NTSB will now move into a more detailed analysis phase. This includes the examination of any non-volatile memory that may be recovered from the aircraft’s avionics. Modern aircraft like the SR22T often record flight parameters such as altitude, airspeed, vertical speed, and engine performance, which can provide investigators with a precise digital reconstruction of the flight.

At this stage, the report explicitly states that there is no immediate evidence of pre-impact mechanical failure, such as engine issues or flight control malfunctions. However, this is a standard preliminary observation and does not rule out mechanical factors that may be discovered through microscopic examination or component testing. The investigation will also review the pilot’s flight experience, specifically focusing on currency in night flying and operations in mountainous terrain.

A final report, which will include the NTSB’s determination of the Probable Cause, is not expected for some time. Historically, these comprehensive reports are released between 12 to 24 months after the accident. Until then, the information remains factual and preliminary, serving to inform the aviation community of the event’s basic parameters without drawing final conclusions.

Concluding Summary

The crash of N740TS near Lincoln, Montana, serves as a somber reminder of the complexities involved in general aviation, particularly during night operations in challenging terrain. The NTSB’s preliminary findings confirm the timeline of the flight, the pilot’s activation of runway lighting, and the subsequent collision with terrain during maneuvering. While the post-crash fire has destroyed much of the physical evidence, the data gathered thus far provides a framework for the ongoing inquiry.

As we await the final report, the focus remains on the rigorous process of accident reconstruction. The aviation industry relies on these thorough investigations to identify systemic risks or specific operational hazards. We will continue to monitor the progress of investigation WPR26FA032 and provide updates when the National Transportation Safety Board releases its final determination regarding the probable cause of this accident.

FAQ

Question: What is the purpose of an NTSB Preliminary Report?
Answer: A preliminary report provides factual information gathered during the initial phase of an investigation. It establishes the timeline and basic circumstances of an accident but does not determine the probable cause or assign fault.

Question: What aircraft was involved in the accident near Lincoln, Montana?
Answer: The aircraft was a Cirrus Design Corp SR22T GTS G6 Carbon, a single-engine composite aircraft, registered as N740TS.

Question: When will the cause of the accident be determined?
Answer: The NTSB typically releases a final report determining the probable cause of an accident 12 to 24 months after the event, following a comprehensive analysis of all available data.

Sources

• NTSB Preliminary Report WPR26FA032