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Pilot Dies After Crash During Coyote Predation Flight (N24MF)

Garryowen, MT, US

On February 20, 2003, a Piper PA-22-150 (registration N24MF) was involved in an aviation accident near Garryowen, MT. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot in command's allowing the aircraft to inadvertently enter into a stall condition at low altitude while maneuvering. A contributing factor was the pilot's intentional low altitude maneuvering. 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-22-150 crashed during a coyote predation flight after a low-altitude pass. The pilot and passenger survived initially, but the pilot died four days later from injuries.

Accident Details

The pilot and passenger were conducting a coyote predation flight in a Piper PA-22-150. After successfully shooting one coyote, the pilot spotted a second coyote approximately 400 yards ahead. The pilot performed a low-altitude pass in a right slip, during which the passenger fired but missed, and the coyote dodged to the left. The passenger reported expecting the pilot to turn left, but the aircraft instead turned right and subsequently impacted the ground.

Data and Examination

A Garmin GPSMAP295 unit onboard provided position, time, and elevation data from takeoff until the accident, indicating the aircraft had been engaged in frequent low-altitude turning maneuvers for several minutes before the last recorded target. Post-crash examination revealed extensive damage to the right wing, which had separated from the fuselage. Damage to the left wing was confined to the leading edge outboard section. A moderate upward crush angle from the firewall to the propeller indicated that the aircraft was in a nose-low, right-wing-down attitude at impact. An FAA inspector found no evidence of mechanical or powerplant malfunction.

Occupant Status

Both occupants survived the crash; however, the pilot expired four days later due to injuries sustained in the accident.

Loss of control in flight

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 20 Feb 2003 Piper PA-22-150 accident near Garryowen, MT?

A Piper PA-22-150 crashed during a coyote predation flight after a low-altitude pass. The pilot and passenger survived initially, but the pilot died four days later from injuries.

Were there any fatalities in the 20 Feb 2003 Piper PA-22-150 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 20 Feb 2003 involved a Piper PA-22-150, registration N24MF, at Garryowen, MT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot in command's allowing the aircraft to inadvertently enter into a stall condition at low altitude while maneuvering. A contributing factor was the pilot's intentional low altitude maneuvering.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20030303X00275. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.