Casualties unknown

Missing Aircraft Found Burned in Pasture Land Three Days After Departure (N6712L)

Lewistown, MT, US

On December 26, 1986, a Piper PA-18-150 (registration N6712L) was involved in an aviation accident near Lewistown, MT. 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 private pilot and friend departed on a coyote hunting flight but failed to return. The aircraft's burned wreckage was discovered three days later on open pasture land.

Flight Details

On the morning of the accident, the private pilot, who also owned the aircraft, together with his friend, departed on what was planned to be an all-day flight dedicated to coyote hunting. The aircraft was expected to return by the evening, but it failed to do so.

Search and Discovery

After the aircraft did not return as anticipated, a combined air and ground search was launched. The search effort continued over the following days. The wreckage of the aircraft was located three days after the accident, approximately 25 miles northeast of Lewistown. It was situated on open, level pasture land and was burned. No witnesses to the accident were identified.

Investigation

The subsequent investigation determined that there was no preimpact malfunction or failure of the aircraft. The probable cause of the accident was not established.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X35340. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.