What happened
On June 28, 2024, at approximately 1728 mountain daylight time, a Cessna 182, registration N6210A, was involved in an accident near Big Creek, Idaho. The flight was being operated under 14 CFR Part 91 for personal use.
Prior to the accident, the pilot and a passenger had arrived at Smiley Creek Airport (U87) and intended to fly to Big Creek Airport (U60) for the evening. A witness observed the aircraft departing U87 between 1630 and 1645.
At approximately 1727, a witness at the Big Creek Lodge observed the aircraft flying at a low altitude in a nose-high attitude. The witness reported hearing the engine at full power but noted the aircraft was not making significant progress. The witness then observed the left wing drop, after which the aircraft entered the trees and disappeared.
The accident resulted in 1 fatality and 1 serious injury.