Forest Service C-47 Crash in Idaho Canyon (N148Z)

Incident Overview and Flight Details A Douglas C-47, registration N148Z, owned and operated by the Forest Service, departed Grangeville, Idaho, to transport personnel and equipment to Moose Creek Ranger Station, approximately 60 miles up the Selway River. The aircraft carried 11 Forest Service employees, including the pilot and copilot, one volunteer, 3,100 pounds of cargo, and two canines. The aircraft was configured for smokejumper missions, with all passengers seated on the port side facing the cargo on the opposite side, which was secured with retaining straps. The flight took off at 09:28 hours and followed the normal route over the river toward the ranger station. ## Engine Failures and Loss of Control Approximately 20 minutes after takeoff, the left engine failed or was shut down in flight. The investigation indicated this was likely due to rising temperatures in nose case components and lubricating oil, along with low oil pressure. The left propeller was apparently feathered immediately after the engine failure. Within 10 to 30 seconds, the right engine suffered a cylinder failure on number eight and burst into flame. The right engine then separated from the wing with an explosive sound within another 10 to 30 seconds. ## Crash and Aftermath After the right engine fell off, the aircraft continued in a powerless glide for approximately 3.5 miles upstream in a narrow canyon. The pilots attempted to land in the river, but the aircraft struck a tree and nosed into the water. Upon impact, the aircraft broke up approximately 10 miles downriver from the ranger station. The crash site was a steep, timbered, rocky river canyon at an elevation of 2,000 feet MSL. Three passengers survived the accident, but one of them succumbed to injuries before hospital transport.