Probable cause
Undetermined because the airplane was not found.
NTSB analysis
The airline transport-rated pilot departed in the twin-engine airplane for a maintenance flight to break in a new engine. The flight was expected to last about 4 hours. Radar track data indicated that the airplane departed the airport and proceeded north following the western shoreline of a lake. While following the shoreline, the airplane descended from about 2,800 to 1,600 ft, which was its last recorded position. When the airplane did not return on time, it was reported missing, and an extensive search was conducted. However, the airplane and pilot were not found.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN12FAMS1 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 8, 2012
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Duluth, Minnesota
- Highest injury
- Fatal
- Fatal injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-31-325
- N-number
- N174BH
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.