FlightFinder
Check my flight
Casualties unknown

1948 Moose Creek Ranch Aircraft Accident (NC6404)

Moose Creek, ID, US

On October 24, 1948, a Stinson 108-3 (registration NC6404) was involved in an aviation accident near Moose Creek, ID. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOTS ATTEMPTED VFR FLIGHT IN IMC CONDITIONS. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WERE SNOW SHOWERS AND THE MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN. 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

On October 24, 1948, a pilot departed Moose Creek Ranch at 1645. Two other pilots reported heavy snow squalls. Wreckage found in April 1987, 19 miles west, in mountainous terrain, consistent with cruise flight impact.

Departure and Conditions

On October 24, 1948, at 1645 local time, a pilot departed from a private airstrip at the Moose Creek Ranch. Two other pilots who also departed at the same time reported encountering heavy snow squalls along the Selway River as they proceeded westbound.

Discovery

The wreckage of the aircraft was discovered in April 1987. It was located 19 miles west of Moose Creek, in the Selway River drainage area, which is characterized by mountainous terrain.

Wreckage Characteristics

Examination of the wreckage showed characteristics consistent with impact with trees and terrain while the aircraft was in cruise flight.

Controlled flight into terrain

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 24 Oct 1948 Stinson 108-3 accident near Moose Creek, ID?

On October 24, 1948, a pilot departed Moose Creek Ranch at 1645. Two other pilots reported heavy snow squalls. Wreckage found in April 1987, 19 miles west, in mountainous terrain, consistent with cruise flight impact.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 24 Oct 1948 involved a Stinson 108-3, registration NC6404, at Moose Creek, ID.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOTS ATTEMPTED VFR FLIGHT IN IMC CONDITIONS. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WERE SNOW SHOWERS AND THE MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001218X45444. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.