What happened
On August 08, 2024, a Cessna 182K, registration N2764Q, crashed in a canyon approximately 17 nm west of Augusta, Montana. The flight, operated under 14 CFR Part 91, resulted in 3 fatal injuries involving the pilot and two passengers.
According to ADS-B data, the aircraft departed Pullman/Moscow Regional Airport in Washington at approximately 1120 mdt, traveling northeast and maintaining an altitude between 7,500 and 8,000 feet MSL. The aircraft's track ended in the Bob Marshall Wilderness, roughly 25 nm southwest of the crash site.
Two hikers approaching Crown Mountain observed smoke rising from a saddle at approximately 1350. Upon reaching the location, they discovered the aircraft on a steep slope, which was still smoldering from a fire. The hikers were able to contact the Sheriff from the site to report the location.
The investigation
The wreckage was located on a south-facing slope at an elevation of 7,550 feet. The debris field spanned 90 feet, with the main wreckage situated 800 feet below a cliff top and 625 feet above the canyon floor. The fuselage and inboard wing sections had been destroyed by fire. Fragments of red and blue/green plastic lens covers were found east and west of the main wreckage, suggesting the wings impacted the terrain while the aircraft was in a near wings-level, nose-up attitude.
Mechanical examination of the aircraft revealed that the flight control systems were continuous and the flaps were retracted. There was no evidence of catastrophic engine failure, and propeller blade signatures indicated the engine was producing power at the time of impact.
Witnesses in the area reported cloud bases between 6,500 and 8,000 feet MSL, with mountains obscured by clouds. One hiker noted that visibility during their trek was frequently reduced to less than 20 yards due to heavy fog, which also obscured the horizon.