2 fatalities

Light Aircraft Crashes During Local Flight After Sudden Nosedown (N8335H)

Butte City, CA, US

On August 6, 1987, a North American T-6G (registration N8335H) was involved in an aviation accident near Butte City, CA. 2 people were killed. 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 2026-06-19Data APIEditorial standards

A witness observed a light aircraft making shallow right turns at approximately 100 feet above ground level before suddenly nosing down and colliding with terrain. Neither the pilot nor the passenger retained memory of the event.

What happened

During a local flight operation, a witness on the ground observed an aircraft executing shallow right turns at an altitude of approximately 100 feet above ground level. The aircraft suddenly nosed down and collided with the terrain. Neither the pilot nor the passenger retained any memory of the events leading up to the collision.

The investigation

A post-accident inspection of the engine revealed considerable impact damage. However, components that were not damaged during the collision were inspected and tested. No mechanical failures or malfunctions were noted during these examinations.

Findings

The aircraft was observed making shallow right turns at low altitude before a sudden nosedown. The pilot and passenger had no memory of the incident. Mechanical inspection showed impact damage but no pre-accident failures in undamaged components.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 6 Aug 1987 North American T-6G accident near Butte City, CA?

A witness observed a light aircraft making shallow right turns at approximately 100 feet above ground level before suddenly nosing down and colliding with terrain. Neither the pilot nor the passenger retained memory of the event.

Were there any fatalities in the 6 Aug 1987 North American T-6G accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 6 Aug 1987 involved a North American T-6G, registration N8335H, at Butte City, CA.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X31845. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.