Accident Overview
On May 9, 2025, at about 0900 mountain daylight time, an American Champion Aircraft 7GCBC, registration N342H, was substantially damaged when it crashed near Big Creek, Idaho. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The pilot, the sole occupant, sustained fatal injuries.
Witness Account
A witness at the Big Creek Airport (U60) reported observing the airplane land early that morning. Shortly after, the witness heard the airplane take off to the north. The witness did not see the departure but noted that the engine sounded normal during the takeoff. No other witnesses to the accident sequence have been identified.
Accident Site and Wreckage
The accident site was located about 2,000 ft north of the departure end of runway 01, in heavily wooded, sloping mountainous terrain. The airplane came to rest upright on a magnetic heading of approximately 200° at an elevation of 5,538 ft mean sea level. The debris path was oriented along a heading of about 010° magnetic and extended approximately 90 ft in length. The first identifiable point of contact was a series of damaged trees about 50 ft in height, with damaged limbs near the top. The right-wing tip was found about 10 ft north of this point. Debris was scattered throughout the wooded area to the main wreckage.
Aircraft Condition
Examination of the main wreckage revealed that both wings and the empennage remained attached to the fuselage. The engine was still secured to the engine mount but had been displaced downward by about 15°. The instrument panel was impact-damaged and separated from the fuselage structure. The right main landing gear was detached and located within the debris path. All major structural components were found along the debris path. The wreckage was recovered to a secure location for further examination.