Accident Summary
On August 8, 2024, at about 1255 mountain daylight time, a Cessna 182K, registration N2764Q, was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain near Augusta, Montana. The pilot and two passengers sustained fatal injuries. The flight was conducted as a personal flight under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.
Flight Path
The airplane departed from Pullman/Moscow Regional Airport in Pullman, Washington, at approximately 1120 mountain daylight time. ADS-B data showed it flying northeast at altitudes between 7,500 and 8,000 feet mean sea level. The track ended at the beginning of mountainous terrain in the Bob Marshall Wilderness, with the last return at 1846:10, located about 25 nautical miles southwest of the accident site.
Wreckage and Impact
The accident site was in a canyon 17 nautical miles west of Augusta, Montana. Terrain consisted of loose scree, ledges, rocky outcrops, and a central gully with forest. The south canyon wall rose to 8,450 feet, and the north wall (Crown Mountain) to 8,400 feet. The airplane came to rest on a steep south-facing slope at 7,550 feet elevation, with its nose oriented upslope on a magnetic bearing of about 140°. Wreckage was scattered over 90 feet, with the main wreckage 800 feet below the cliff top and 625 feet above the canyon floor. The fuselage and inboard wing sections were consumed by fire. Fragments of red and blue/green plastic lens covers suggested the wings impacted in a near wings-level, nose-up attitude. Flight control continuity was established; flaps were retracted. No evidence of catastrophic engine failure was found, and propeller blade signatures indicated the engine was producing power at impact.
Weather Observations
Pilots flying near the accident area reported cloud bases between 6,500 and 8,000 feet msl, with mountains obscured by clouds. Cloud tops were reported between 9,500 and 11,000 feet msl. A hiker who discovered the wreckage noted that it was incredibly foggy during the hike, with visibility often reduced to less than 20 yards as fog moved in and out, sometimes completely obscuring the horizon. Upon reaching the saddle, the wind picked up dramatically, and they were enveloped in fog.
Pilot Information
The pilot purchased the airplane in March 2022 and received his private pilot certificate in May 2023. According to FAA medical records, on February 7, 2024, when he applied for his most recent third-class aviation medical certificate, he reported a total flight time of 149 hours.