Accident Summary
On June 28, 2024, at approximately 1728 mountain daylight time, a Cessna 182, registration N6210A, was substantially damaged when it crashed near Big Creek, Idaho. The pilot sustained fatal injuries, and the pilot-rated passenger was seriously injured. The flight was conducted under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight.
Witness Accounts
A witness who spoke with the pilot reported that the pilot and his son arrived at a fly-in at Smiley Creek Airport (U87) in Smiley Creek, Idaho, on the day of the accident. They planned to continue to Big Creek Airport (U60) in Big Creek, Idaho, for the evening. The witness observed the airplane depart U87 between 1630 and 1645.
Another witness, located inside the Big Creek Lodge, reported hearing an airplane flying nearby at about 1727. Looking outside, the witness saw the airplane pass the lodge at a low altitude while in a nose-high attitude. The witness stepped outside and heard the engine producing full power, but the airplane was not achieving significant performance. The witness then observed the left wing begin to drop, after which the airplane entered the trees and disappeared from view.
Wreckage Examination
Examination of the accident site showed that the airplane impacted forested, hilly terrain. The wreckage came to rest on its right side, on a magnetic heading of approximately 270°, at an elevation of 5,742 feet mean sea level. The wreckage was surrounded by trees 50 to 80 feet tall and was located about 1,400 feet south of the departure end of runway 19. All major components of the airplane were present at the site.
The wreckage was subsequently moved to a secure facility for further examination.