Fatal Aircraft Accident at Simplot Ranch Airstrip (N9006)

Departure and Flight Path The pilot departed from the Simplot Ranch Airstrip, situated beside the middle fork of the Salmon River, approximately 27 miles northwest of Challis, Idaho. The aircraft initially headed downriver toward the northeast, although the intended destination was a U.S. Forest Service strip located about 7 miles upriver to the southwest. A course reversal was typically executed approximately 6 miles downriver from the departure point. However, the pilot attempted a turn-around over a relatively shallow bench area on the west side of the river, roughly 1.25 miles from the departure strip. According to the operator, this maneuver could have been performed under ideal conditions. The aircraft crashed in the bench area while maintaining a westerly heading. It came to rest in an upright attitude with minimal evidence of forward velocity but significant vertical collapse. No evidence of pre-impact mechanical malfunction or failure was discovered. All four occupants were killed in the accident.