Fatal Accident (1) – Cessna A150L Aerobat, N6167F, near Kittitas, WA, March 4, 2025
ASX Investigation | ||||
On March 4, 2025, at approximately 11:00 PM local time, authorities were alerted to a missing aircraft, a Cessna A150L Aerobat registered as N6167F. The aircraft had departed from Yakima Air Terminal in Washington and was en route to Lake Chelan Airport. The pilot, the sole occupant, failed to arrive at the intended destination, prompting an immediate search effort coordinated by multiple agencies, including the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), and local law enforcement. The last known radar data placed the aircraft in the hills between Ellensburg and the Columbia River, indicating a deviation from the expected flight path. The aircraft was found the following morning, March 5, at approximately 9:00 AM by a Life Flight helicopter conducting an aerial search. The wreckage was located on Whiskey Dick Mountain, a remote area east of Ellensburg near a wind farm. The pilot was discovered deceased at the scene, and authorities began efforts to recover the remains and document the crash site. The location of the accident was initially unclear, as conflicting reports suggested the plane may have gone down in the Columbia River, though further investigation confirmed its final position in the mountainous terrain. Preliminary radar data indicated that after departing Yakima, the aircraft proceeded north toward Ellensburg before making a northeast turn. The last recorded data suggested a loss of control or systems failure before the aircraft disappeared from tracking systems. Search efforts began immediately upon notification, utilizing marine units, drones, and ground search teams to locate the downed aircraft. However, nightfall and hazardous conditions necessitated a temporary pause in operations until daylight, when aerial search teams were able to confirm the crash site. The pilot’s identity has not been publicly released, though it has been confirmed that she was the only individual onboard. There is no indication that air traffic control received any distress calls before the crash, and no immediate evidence suggests foul play. The aircraft itself, manufactured in 1973, was a light, aerobatic variant of the Cessna 150 series, commonly used for training and recreational flying. Maintenance records and pilot experience levels will be part of the ongoing investigation conducted by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). Investigators are considering multiple potential factors contributing to the crash, including weather conditions, pilot experience, mechanical issues, and spatial disorientation. The terrain where the aircraft was found is characterized by steep hills and open wind farms, which could present navigation challenges, particularly in nighttime operations. Given that the flight took place after sunset, visibility and terrain awareness will be key areas of analysis in determining the cause of the accident. The collaborative response involved multiple agencies, including the Kittitas County Sheriff’s Office, the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center, and various local emergency operations teams. The coordinated efforts ensured the search and recovery process was executed efficiently despite the challenging conditions. The aircraft was reported destroyed, and investigators will examine wreckage patterns to reconstruct the flight’s final moments. The NTSB will continue to analyze flight data, aircraft maintenance logs, and environmental factors to determine a probable cause. This process will include reviewing weather reports, assessing radar and ADS-B data, and interviewing individuals familiar with the pilot’s background and experience. A final report with conclusions and recommendations is expected once all investigative avenues have been exhausted. | ||||
Accident Information | ||||
Approx. Accident Location | Aircraft Fatalities 1 | Ground Fatalities 0 | Injured 0 |  |
Aircraft Information | ||||
Aircraft Type | Operator Private | Registration | Serial Number | Manufacture date |
Relevent Flight Tracking | ||||
 |  |  |  |  |
Relevent Social Media | ||||
 |  |  |  |  |
References | ||||
Local News | World News | Image References |  | |
Miscellaneous | ||||
 | Official Final Report | |||