Casualties unknown

Wreckage of Missing Airplane Discovered in Canyon (N3766A)

Kremmling, CO, US

On April 7, 2005, a Piper PA-22-135 (registration N3766A) was involved in an aviation accident near Kremmling, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to maintain clearance from terrain. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

The wreckage of an airplane that went missing in April 2005 was found in August by hikers in a canyon at approximately 7,960 feet elevation. No anomalies were found in the aircraft's systems.

Discovery of Wreckage

The airplane departed at approximately 1500 on an unspecified date. Concerned family members reported it missing on the evening of April 7, 2005. A search and rescue alert notice (ALNOT) was issued at 2315 on April 7. The ALNOT was canceled on April 18, and the search was suspended.

On August 5, 2005, two hikers discovered the airplane wreckage on the south wall of a canyon at an approximate elevation of 7,960 feet msl. The main wreckage came to rest inverted between several rocks and trees. The wreckage consisted of the fuselage, empennage, both right and left wing assemblies, and the engine. The propeller was located approximately 40 feet directly above the main wreckage at an elevation of approximately 8,020 feet msl.

Examination of Systems

An examination of the airplane's systems revealed no anomalies.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20050809X01186. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.