The Smart Marty Sky Dispatch
Pilot killed in plane crash near Hamilton, NTSB investigating
An airplane crash in the Harlan Gulch area south of Hamilton left a 43-year-old pilot dead, authorities said.Ravalli County Sheriff Steve Holton said the plane
A plane crash in the Harlan Gulch area south of Hamilton resulted in the death of a 43-year-old pilot, authorities said.
Ravalli County Sheriff Steve Holton noted the aircraft crashed east of Highway 93. The incident prompted an investigation that began after a resident reported sounds consistent with an aircraft crash and the pilot was later reported overdue.
Weather conditions hindered search aircraft, leading deputies to deploy drones to aid the operation. Search crews initially could not locate the aircraft or track its flight path.
Law enforcement located the crash site Thursday morning following on-the-ground hiking and searches. The pilot was pronounced dead at the scene, and there were no other passengers on board.
The National Transportation Safety Board is conducting the investigation to determine the cause of the crash. The pilot’s name has not been released pending further identification.