What happened
On January 27, 2026, at approximately 1100 mountain standard time, an experimental CCX-1865 Carbon Cub, registration N126C, crashed near Montour, Idaho. The accident resulted in 2 fatal injuries for the pilot and the pilot-rated passenger.
Prior to the accident, the pilot had refueled the aircraft with 20 gallons of fuel and completed a single circuit in the traffic pattern at S78. ADS-B data from the FAA indicated the aircraft departed S78 at 1022, flew northwest, and returned to the airport at 1032. A second departure occurred at 1042, heading east toward Lanham Field. During this flight, the aircraft maneuvered near the east side of the private airport, climbing to altitudes between 3,850 ft and 4,325 ft msl.
The aircraft then traveled northeast, paralleling the south side of Black Canyon reservoir. As it approached the east end of the canyon, the aircraft descended from approximately 4,400 ft msl to 3,950 ft msl. ADS-B data showed the aircraft continued to descend and performed a 180-degree left turn over Montour.
Witnesses near the Payette River observed the red and gray airplane flying at a very low altitude, approximately 50 feet or less above the ground, crossing the river in both north-to-south and south-to-north directions. One witness reported seeing the aircraft nose over into the water. Simultaneously, local residents reported brief power interruptions to their homes.
The investigation
The aircraft came to rest inverted in shallow, ice-covered water in the middle of the reservoir. The initial point of impact was a large, fractured circle of ice located directly in front of the wreckage. While most major components remained attached to the fuselage, the left main landing gear separated from the aircraft and was found near power distribution lines. The leading edge of the forward strut and the left-side landing gear shock absorber exhibited impact marks and striations.