On November 16, 2000, a Cessna U206F (registration N8529Q) operated by Baker Aircraft Service was involved in an aviation accident near Cambridge, ID. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Airspeed not maintained and an inadvertent stall while maneuvering. Mountainous terrain was a factor. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft on an aerial survey mission was reported overdue and missing. Wreckage was located six months later in a mountainous valley, with evidence of a nose-down impact and post-crash fire. Inspection found no mechanical failure.
Accident Overview
During an aerial survey flight around mountainous terrain, the aircraft was reported overdue and missing. The wreckage was located approximately six months later in a valley surrounded by high terrain. Investigators documented ground disturbances and impact signatures at the accident site that indicated the aircraft collided with the terrain in a nose-down attitude.
Damage and Fire
Impact damage and a subsequent post-crash fire destroyed the aircraft. The fire consumed much of the structure, leaving only fragmented wreckage.
Wreckage Examination
Post-crash inspection of the wreckage and engine did not reveal evidence of a mechanical failure or malfunction. No pre-impact anomalies were identified in the airframe or powerplant.
Conclusion
The investigation concluded that the aircraft impacted terrain in a nose-down attitude, resulting in destruction by impact and fire. No mechanical cause was found.