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Casualties unknown

Piper PA-12 Crashes After Low-Level Maneuvering in Mountainous Terrain (N3743M)

Lowman, ID, US

On October 25, 1992, a Piper PA-12 (registration N3743M) operated by Harpham, Samuel E. was involved in an aviation accident near Lowman, ID. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE TERRAIN CLEARANCE. FACTORS INCLUDE MOUNTAINOUS/HILLY TERRAIN, TREES, AND THE PILOT'S DIVERTED ATTENTION. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A Piper PA-12 pilot spent 45 minutes maneuvering at low level in steep canyons, landed at a remote airstrip, then departed. Witnesses saw the aircraft flying below treetop level along a ridge before it crashed.

Accident Overview

A Piper PA-12 aircraft was involved in an accident after the pilot conducted low-level maneuvering in mountainous terrain. The pilot spent approximately 45 minutes flying at low altitude in and around steep canyons. The aircraft subsequently landed at a remote Forest Service airstrip, where it remained on the ground for about an hour.

Departure and Final Flight

After departing from the airstrip, the aircraft was observed flying less than 50 feet above treetop level along an uneven forested ridge. Witnesses reported that they lost sight of the aircraft behind some trees approximately five seconds before the accident. The engine sounded as if it was running smoothly and at or near full power until they heard the noise from the impact.

Witness Observations

The witnesses indicated that the engine appeared to be operating normally until the moment of impact. No other details about the circumstances leading up to the crash were provided in the source material.

Controlled flight into terrain

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 25 Oct 1992 Piper PA-12 accident near Lowman, ID?

A Piper PA-12 pilot spent 45 minutes maneuvering at low level in steep canyons, landed at a remote airstrip, then departed. Witnesses saw the aircraft flying below treetop level along a ridge before it crashed.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 25 Oct 1992 involved a Piper PA-12, registration N3743M, operated by Harpham, Samuel E., at Lowman, ID.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE TERRAIN CLEARANCE. FACTORS INCLUDE MOUNTAINOUS/HILLY TERRAIN, TREES, AND THE PILOT'S DIVERTED ATTENTION.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X15958. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.