Shortly After Rotation From Runway 28r, The Airplane Began To Drift Left

Location: Billings, MT Accident Number: WPR25LA295
Date & Time: September 26, 2025, 10:40 Local Registration: N272C
Aircraft: Siai-Marchetti SF260B Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On September 26, 2025, about 1040 mountain daylight time, a SIAI-MARCHETTI SF 260B, N272C, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Billings, Montana. The pilot and passenger were not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations part 91 flight.

The pilot reported that shortly after rotation from runway 28R, the airplane began to drift left. He applied corrective control inputs and was able to maintain control while in ground effect, but the airplane would not climb. The airplane then drifted away from the runway to the right, and began to settle, after which it struck the ground. The landing gear collapsed during the impact sequence, and the airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and aft cabin structure.

The airplane was recovered for further examination. 

FMI: www.ntsb.gov