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3 fatalities

Private Pilot Crashes into Ground Near Billings Airport, Killing Three (N2024M)

Billings, MT, US

On December 23, 1984, a Piper PA-32-300 (registration N2024M) was involved in an aviation accident near Billings, MT. 3 people were killed. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

On December 23, 1984, a non-instrument-rated private pilot crashed near Billings, MT, killing all three occupants. The aircraft was on an IFR flight plan in low visibility with snow and fog.

Accident Details

On December 23, 1984, a non-instrument-rated private pilot crashed into the ground near the airport at Billings, Montana, killing all three occupants on board. The pilot and his family were en route to Phoenix, Arizona, to spend Christmas with family.

Weather and Flight Plan

Weather conditions at the time of the accident were an indefinite ceiling of 100 feet, sky obscured, with half-mile visibility in snow and fog. The pilot had received prior weather briefings before departure and filed an IFR flight plan.

Witness Accounts

Shortly after departure, the aircraft was observed on radar meandering over the airport. Local ear witnesses heard the aircraft executing a couple of spiral-type turns before the crash.

Wreckage Examination

Examination of the wreckage revealed that the vertical stabilizer, horizontal stabilizers, and right wing separated in flight just prior to impact with the ground.

Related events

Same aircraft family

All Piper PA-32 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 23 Dec 1984 Piper PA-32-300 accident near Billings, MT?

On December 23, 1984, a non-instrument-rated private pilot crashed near Billings, MT, killing all three occupants. The aircraft was on an IFR flight plan in low visibility with snow and fog.

Were there any fatalities in the 23 Dec 1984 Piper PA-32-300 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 3 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 23 Dec 1984 involved a Piper PA-32-300, registration N2024M, at Billings, MT.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X41756. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.