NTSB Factual Report

On March 11, 2018, about 1315 Pacific daylight time, a Piper PA-18-150 Super Cub, N4511Y, was destroyed when it impacted terrain while maneuvering near Daybreak Airport (WA46), La Center, Washington. The pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was registered to and operated by the pilot as a 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the flight that originated from Flying M Airport (OR05), Yamhill, Oregon at 1030.

A witness reported that he observed the airplane in a climb profile about 150 feet above runway 31 at WA46. Near the north end of the airfield, the airplane started a low left turn to a left downwind to the south. The airplane leveled out at about 250 feet which was right at, or just below, the level of treetops located on the western bench of the East Fork Lewis river. The witness then lost sight of the airplane. Moments later, he heard a series of 3 loud bangs, followed by a full-power engine sound, another loud bang and an abrupt stoppage of all sounds. He ran to the location where he believed the airplane had impacted terrain. Upon arrival at the crash site, he had observed another individual near the wreckage. Both personnel tried to extract the pilot from the wreckage, but they were unsuccessful. Shortly after, the fire department responded to the site.

The airplane was recovered for further examination.