FlightFinder
Check my flight
Casualties unknown

Light aircraft crashes in canyon after sharp bank and steep descent (N3263B)

Bozeman, MT, US

On November 4, 1986, a Cessna 172M (registration N3263B) was involved in an aviation accident near Bozeman, MT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's loss of control during low-level flight in a canyon environment, evidenced by a sudden shudder and sharp bank, with no mechanical failure found. 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 2026-06-20Data APIEditorial standards

A light aircraft crashed into a wooded canyon area at approximately 6,000 feet elevation after a witness observed it banking sharply to the left and entering a steep descent. No pre-impact mechanical failure was found.

What happened

The pilot and two passengers were conducting a flight in a canyon area with the intent of spotting elk. A witness on the ground observed the aircraft flying low over the trees when it suddenly shuddered. The aircraft then banked sharply to the left and entered a steep descent before crashing into a wooded area on the side of the canyon.

The investigation

Investigators examined the crash site and the remains of the aircraft to determine the cause of the accident. The elevation of the crash site was recorded at approximately 6,000 feet. Examination revealed no evidence of pre-impact part failure or mechanical malfunction that would have contributed to the loss of control.

Findings

The sequence of events began with a sudden shudder followed by a sharp left bank and steep descent. The lack of mechanical failure suggests the event was likely due to pilot error or environmental factors not explicitly detailed in the brief narrative. The pilot lost control of the aircraft during low-level flight operations in rugged terrain.

Probable cause

The pilot's loss of control during low-level flight in a canyon environment, evidenced by a sudden shudder and sharp bank, with no mechanical failure found.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 4 Nov 1986 Cessna 172M accident near Bozeman, MT?

A light aircraft crashed into a wooded canyon area at approximately 6,000 feet elevation after a witness observed it banking sharply to the left and entering a steep descent. No pre-impact mechanical failure was found.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 4 Nov 1986 involved a Cessna 172M, registration N3263B, at Bozeman, MT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's loss of control during low-level flight in a canyon environment, evidenced by a sudden shudder and sharp bank, with no mechanical failure found.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X35150. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.