On October 1, 1987, a Piper PA-18-125 (registration N1377A) operated by Smith Cattle, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Miles City, MT. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A cattle rancher flying at approximately 300 feet AGL to search for stray cattle turned to get a better view and flew into a box canyon. The aircraft impacted the ground in a near-vertical attitude at the far end of the canyon. No preimpact malfunctions were found.
Flight Details
A cattle rancher was operating his aircraft to locate stray cattle and assess the condition of the ranch. The flight was conducted at an altitude of approximately 300 feet above ground level (AGL). While scanning the terrain, the pilot observed cattle that had wandered off the ranch property.
Accident Sequence
The pilot initiated a turn to obtain a clearer view of the stray cattle. During this maneuver, the aircraft entered a box canyon. The investigation determined that the aircraft struck the terrain in a near-vertical orientation at the far end of the canyon.
Investigation Findings
A post-accident examination revealed no evidence of any preimpact malfunctions or failures of the aircraft or its systems. The investigation did not identify any mechanical or structural issues that would have contributed to the accident.
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