Casualties unknown

Pilot Reports Stall During Approach; Aircraft Crashes West of Runway (N9050D)

Bonners Ferry, ID, US

On August 12, 1984, a Piper PA-22-160 (registration N9050D) was involved in an aviation accident near Bonners Ferry, ID. 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 pilot with three adults and a two-year-old child crashed after reporting a left downwind for runway 20. The aircraft was observed at full power but mushing and losing altitude, then crashed west of the departure end. No preimpact failure was found. Pilot's blood alcohol was 0.046%.

Accident Overview

A pilot took off with three adult passengers and a two-year-old child aboard, flying for approximately 1.3 hours. Prior to the accident, the pilot reported on a left downwind for runway 20. During the approach, the aircraft was observed over the runway at about 100 feet above ground level (AGL), reportedly at full power. However, the airplane was mushing and losing altitude. The aircraft subsequently crashed west of the departure end while on a southeasterly heading.

Witness Accounts

Two flight instructors reported that the aircraft had stalled or mushed. Two other witnesses stated that the engine was not developing power when the airplane crashed. However, the investigation found no preimpact part failure or malfunction.

Pilot Information

A check of the pilot's blood showed an alcohol level of 0.046%. The density altitude was about 4,200 feet.

Investigation Findings

The investigation did not identify any mechanical failure. The cause of the accident remains undetermined based on the available information.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X40892. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.