Hoye KOLB TWINSTAR MK III N618HP

Summary

On 21 June 2000 at about 02:30 local time, a Hoye KOLB TWINSTAR MK III registered N618HP was involved in an accident near Bigfork, Montana, United States. 2 people were on board and 2 died. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

21 June 2000 at 02:30

Classification

Accident

Location

Bigfork, Montana, United States

Coordinates

47.7402, -113.7399

Aircraft

Hoye KOLB TWINSTAR MK III

Registration

N618HP

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Whitefish → Ferndale

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

SEA00LA110

2 people died.

The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control. Inadequate altitude for recovery was a factor.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

Witnesses reported observing the aircraft perform various low level flight maneuvers in the area. A witness reported that the aircraft was performing steep turns, and steep climbs and descents prior to the final maneuver. The witness reported that the aircraft began a steep climb from about 300-400 feet above ground level for a few seconds, then nosed down and collided with the terrain in a near vertical attitude. Post-accident inspection of the wreckage did not reveal evidence of a mechanical failure or malfunction.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.