PIPER PA-18-150

Full Narrative

On May 14, 2024, about 0720 mountain daylight time, a Piper PA-18-150, N14323, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Forsyth, Montana. The pilot and passenger were fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.
According to a county trapper, the pilot was conducting aerial management of predatory wildlife on the Cross Four ranch. The county trapper was positioned on the ground near the hunting area and communicated with the pilot via cell phone. During the last phone call, at about 0718, the pilot reported that they had eradicated two coyotes, and saw a third, then the call ended. About that time, the county trapper heard gunshots which he attributed to the aerial operations. The county trapper then departed the area, called and text the pilot multiple times, receiving no answer. A cattle Forman, who was driving on a road near the accident site, saw the downed airplane and reported the accident to local law enforcement.
Examination of the accident site revealed that the airplane impacted a hill in an extremely nose-low attitude. The airplane came to rest in a near vertical attitude at an elevation of 2,620 ft mean sea level (msl). All major components remained secured to the airplane. No visible ground scars were observed surrounding the wreckage. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the engine mounts, forward fuselage and both wings.
The airplane was recovered to a secure location for further examination.