C-FITAQP: 7) TERRAIN COLLISION

Piper PA23-250 | N2354R

Bob Marshall Wilderness, Montana

  • DTSB analysis published
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Key facts

  • DateOctober 17, 2025
  • Local time4:30 PM
  • LightDay
  • WeatherIMC
  • Phase of flightEnroute
  • People on board3
  • Fatalities3
  • Airport8S1

Accident Location

City, State
Bob Marshall Wilderness, Montana
Latitude
47.538611
Longitude
-113.160556
Airport ID
8S1

Aircraft Info

N Number
N2354R
Make
Piper
Model
PA23-250
Category / Class
Aircraft Multi Engine Land
Amateur Built
No

Pilot Info

Pilot in command
Anderson, Mark Daniel
Gender
Male
Age
58
Certification
Airline Transport Pilot
IFR rating
Yes
Medical
2nd Class Medical
Flight school
No
Instructional flight
No

Analysis

Weather
IMC
Time of day
Day
Phase of flight
Enroute
Pilot error
Yes
Pilot incapacitation
No
People on board
3
PIC fatality
1
Passenger fatalities
2
Total fatalities
3
NTSB travel
Unknown

Probable Cause

THE DTSB

Pending. Accident pilot flew into weather. Early unofficial reports state the the aircraft reported engine trouble while operating in the area of terrain situated above the single engine service ceiling for the accident aircraft. It is likely that the aircraft encountered some form of airframe ice in conjunction with a loss of thrust on one engine, forcing an emergency off field landing in very dangerous terrain. All three occupants were found still inside the main cabin of the aircraft.

NTSB

None yet (final report not yet published).

Recommendation

THE DTSB

Pending.

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