Accident Overview
On May 14, 2024, at approximately 0720 mountain daylight time, a Piper PA-18-150, registration N14323, was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain near Forsyth, Montana. The pilot and a passenger were fatally injured. The flight was conducted under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight.
Circumstances
The pilot was engaged in aerial management of predatory wildlife on the Cross Four ranch. A county trapper on the ground communicated with the pilot via cell phone. During the last call at about 0718, the pilot reported that two coyotes had been eradicated and a third was sighted, after which the call ended. The trapper then heard gunshots attributed to the aerial operations. Subsequently, the trapper departed and attempted to contact the pilot multiple times without response. A cattle foreman driving on a nearby road observed the downed airplane and reported it to local law enforcement.
Wreckage Examination
Examination revealed the airplane impacted a hill in an extremely nose-low attitude and came to rest nearly vertically at an elevation of 2,620 feet mean sea level. All major components remained attached to the airframe. No ground scars were visible around the wreckage. Substantial damage was noted to the engine mounts, forward fuselage, and both wings. The aircraft was recovered to a secure location for further examination.