Witness Stated That He Then Heard The Airplane Takeoff, Which Was Followed Shortly After By A Sound Similar To A "Door Slamming Shut"

Location: Yellow Pine, ID Accident Number: WPR22FA304
Date & Time: August 15, 2022, 06:30 Local Registration: N26HV
Aircraft: Aviat Aircraft Inc A-1A Injuries: 2 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On August 15, 2022, about 0630 mountain daylight time, an Aviat Aircraft Inc., A-1A, N26HV, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Yellow Pine, Idaho. The pilot and passenger were fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

A witness camping at the Johnson Creek Airport (3U2), Yellow Pine reported that, the morning of the accident flight, he observed the accident airplane taxiing to runway 35. Due to the cooler weather, he returned to his tent. He recalled hearing the airplane’s engine rpm rise, like the pilot was conducting a runup. The witness stated that he then heard the airplane takeoff, which was followed shortly after by a sound similar to a "door slamming shut". Between 1030 to 1045, he departed runway 35, flew over Yellow Pine, before returning to and flying over 3U2. While overflying the north end of the airport, he observed the accident airplane in the creek near the departure end of runway 35.

Examination of the accident site revealed that the airplane impacted terrain about 265 ft northeast of the departure end of runway 35. The airplane came to rest upright in a creek, on a heading of about 116° magnetic, at an elevation of 4,892 ft mean sea level (msl). No visible ground scars or damaged vegetation were observed in the area near the wreckage. All major structural components of the airplane were located at the accident location. The wreckage was recovered to a secure location for further examination.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov