No fatalities

PIPER PA42 1000 accident at Lewistown, MT, 13 Dec 2022

Lewistown, MT, United States

On December 13, 2022, a PIPER PA42 1000 operated by Babin Air was involved in an aviation accident near Lewistown, MT. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing. Contributing to the accident was the out of service visual glideslope indicator and snow obscuring the runway markings. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 5 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

Probable cause

The pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing. Contributing to the accident was the out of service visual glideslope indicator and snow obscuring the runway markings.

— NTSB Determination

Contributing factors

Landing flare — Not attained/maintainedPilotEffect on operation

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 13 Dec 2022 PIPER PA42 1000 accident near Lewistown, MT?

The pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing. Contributing to the accident was the out of service visual glideslope indicator and snow obscuring the runway markings.

Were there any fatalities in the 13 Dec 2022 PIPER PA42 1000 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 13 Dec 2022 involved a PIPER PA42 1000, operated by Babin Air, at Lewistown, MT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing. Contributing to the accident was the out of service visual glideslope indicator and snow obscuring the runway markings.