Casualties unknown

Coyote Hunting Aircraft Crashes During Low-Level Flight (N9659P)

Imlay, NV, US

On December 25, 1984, a Piper PA-18-150 (registration N9659P) was involved in an aviation accident near Imlay, NV. 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

An aircraft engaged in aerial coyote hunting crashed while flying low and slow near the reported location. Witnesses saw the plane prior to impact, but no one witnessed the actual crash event.

What happened

The pilot was reportedly conducting aerial coyote hunting operations when the accident occurred. Witnesses observed an aircraft of the described type flying at a low altitude and slow airspeed in the vicinity of the crash site. Despite these observations, there were no eyewitnesses who directly saw the moment of impact.

The investigation

Investigators determined that the aircraft struck the ground while remaining upright, characterized by a high vertical descent rate. A thorough examination of the wreckage revealed no evidence of pre-impact malfunctions or failures within the aircraft's structure, power plant, or systems.

Findings

The absence of mechanical failure suggests the accident was likely related to operational factors during the low-level flight phase. The specific cause of the loss of control or impact remains undetermined due to the lack of direct eyewitness testimony regarding the crash sequence.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X41893. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.