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NTSB Report
October 1, 1987 · Piper PA-18-125 · N1377A
Miles City, MT
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 1, 1987
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (1 fatality, 1 serious injury)
Location
Miles City, MT
Aircraft
Piper PA-18-125
Tail Number
N1377A
Operator
Smith Cattle
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
DEN88FA001
A CATTLE RANCHER WAS FLYING HIS AIRCRAFT LOOKING FOR STRAY CATTLE AND CHECKING THE CONDITION OF THE RANCH. HE WAS AT APPROXIMATELY 300 FEET AGL WHEN HE SPOTTED CATTLE THAT HAD STRAYED OFF THE RANCH. THE PILOT TURNED TO GET A BETTER VIEW OF THE CATTLE AND FLEW INTO A BOX CANYON. THE INVESTIGATION REVEALED THE AIRCRAFT IMPACTED THE GROUND IN A NEAR VERTICALATTITUDE AT THE FAR END OF THE BOX CANYON. NO PREIMPACT MALFUNCTIONS/FAILURES WERE FOUND.
Full Narrative
A CATTLE RANCHER WAS FLYING HIS AIRCRAFT LOOKING FOR STRAY CATTLE AND CHECKING THE CONDITION OF THE RANCH. HE WAS AT APPROXIMATELY 300 FEET AGL WHEN HE SPOTTED CATTLE THAT HAD STRAYED OFF THE RANCH. THE PILOT TURNED TO GET A BETTER VIEW OF THE CATTLE AND FLEW INTO A BOX CANYON. THE INVESTIGATION REVEALED THE AIRCRAFT IMPACTED THE GROUND IN A NEAR VERTICALATTITUDE AT THE FAR END OF THE BOX CANYON. NO PREIMPACT MALFUNCTIONS/FAILURES WERE FOUND.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time07:30 MDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-18-125
Tail NumberN1377A
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorSmith Cattle
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-290-D · Reciprocating · 125
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury Summary2 injuries (1 fatality, 1 serious injury)
Fatal1
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 32 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDawn
Wind280° @ 6 kt
Visibility30 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point48 / 30 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time11:31
Weather SourceWFAC