What happened
On May 14, 2024, at approximately 07:20 mountain daylight time, a Piper PA-18-150, registration N14323, was involved in an accident near Forsyth, Montana. The aircraft was being operated under 14 CFR Part 91 for personal flight, specifically performing aerial management of predatory wildlife on the Cross Four ranch.
A county trapper on the ground was in communication with the pilot via cell phone during the operation. At approximately 07:18, the pilot reported via phone that two coyotes had been eradicated and a third had been sighted. Shortly after this communication, the trapper heard gunshots and subsequently attempted to contact the pilot multiple times via call and text, but received no response. A cattle foreman driving nearby discovered the downed aircraft and alerted law enforcement.
The accident resulted in 2 fatal injuries for the pilot and passenger.
The investigation
Examination of the wreckage at the accident site showed that the aircraft impacted a hill in an extremely nose-low attitude. The plane came to rest in a near vertical position at an elevation of 2,620 feet mean sea level. Investigators found that all major components remained secured to the aircraft, and no visible ground scars were found surrounding the wreckage. The impact caused substantial damage to the wings, the forward fuselage, and the engine mounts. The aircraft was moved to a secure location for further examination.