Casualties unknown

Aircraft Wreckage Found Two Days After Thunderstorm Departure into Mountains (N14819)

Emmett, ID, US

On September 9, 1985, a Bell 206B (registration N14819) was involved in an aviation accident near Emmett, ID. 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
Aircraft registered N14819
Aircraft registered N14819. Photo: Andrew Thomas from Shrewsbury, UK / CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

A newly-licensed pilot departed into mountainous terrain during thunderstorm conditions despite warnings. Wreckage located two days later 11 miles from departure, showing high-speed vertical impact on upslope typical of a quick-stop maneuver or attempt to avoid power lines.

Accident Overview

A newly-licensed pilot departed into mountainous terrain while thunderstorm conditions were present, despite receiving warnings from friends. The aircraft's wreckage was discovered two days later in rising terrain below power lines, approximately 11 miles from the point of departure.

Investigation Findings

The investigation determined that the aircraft impacted the upslope at high speed and in a vertical orientation. The impact characteristics were consistent with a 'quick-stop' maneuver or an attempt to duck under power lines. No evidence was found of any pre-impact malfunction or failure of the aircraft structure, powerplant, or systems.

All Bell 206 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 9 Sept 1985 Bell 206B accident near Emmett, ID?

A newly-licensed pilot departed into mountainous terrain during thunderstorm conditions despite warnings. Wreckage located two days later 11 miles from departure, showing high-speed vertical impact on upslope typical of a quick-stop maneuver or attempt to avoid power lines.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 9 Sept 1985 involved a Bell 206B, registration N14819, at Emmett, ID.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X37904. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.