Regulations & Safety
NTSB Preliminary Report on Fatal Carbon Cub Crash in Idaho
The NTSB released a preliminary report on the fatal CubCrafters Carbon Cub crash in Idaho involving a wire strike and two fatalities.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released its preliminary report regarding the fatal aviation accident that occurred on January 27, 2026, near Montour, Idaho. The crash of the CubCrafters CCX-1865 Carbon Cub, registered as N126C, resulted in the deaths of two individuals, including a prominent local meteorologist. The report confirms that the aircraft collided with power lines while operating in the rugged terrain of the Payette River’s Black Canyon.
According to the NTSB’s findings, the flight was part of a “Media Evaluation Program” conducted by the aircraft manufacturer, CubCrafters. The program, which allowed media figures to evaluate aircraft for content creation, has been suspended following the tragedy. Investigators have recovered data recording devices, including GoPro cameras, which may provide critical insight into the final moments of the flight.
The preliminary report outlines the specific timeline and trajectory of the accident. On the morning of January 27, the aircraft was operating under Part 91 general aviation rules in Gem County, Idaho. The flight took place in the Black Canyon area, a region known for its scenic river views but also for the hazards presented by its complex terrain.
Investigators determined that the accident sequence began at approximately 10:58 AM MST. The aircraft struck a set of power lines spanning the Payette River. The collision severed the lines, causing a significant power outage that affected an estimated 7,000 customers in Gem County and Garden Valley. Following the wire strike, the aircraft impacted the frozen surface of the river, coming to rest in the water and ice.
The wreckage was located within the icy river. During the recovery process, investigators secured GoPro cameras from the crash site. The NTSB has indicated that these devices could yield high-definition video evidence regarding the cockpit environment and flight parameters leading up to the collision.
The aircraft involved was a CubCrafters CCX-1865 Carbon Cub FX, a modern Short Takeoff and Landing (STOL) aircraft designed specifically for backcountry operations. The specific airframe, N126C, was owned by the manufacturer, CubCrafters, and had been loaned to the pilot for review purposes.
The flight was conducted under the auspices of CubCrafters’ “Media Evaluation Program.” This initiative provided aircraft to select aviation journalists and influencers for independent review. Following the accident, CubCrafters announced a temporary suspension of the program to review safety protocols. In a statement, the company expressed deep sadness regarding the loss of life and emphasized its cooperation with the NTSB and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The crash claimed the lives of two experienced members of the aviation community.
Roland Steadham, 67, was identified as the pilot. Steadham was a well-known figure in Boise, Idaho, serving as the Chief Meteorologist for KBOI-TV (CBS 2). Beyond his broadcasting career, Steadham was a veteran aviator with over 3,000 flight hours. He held a commercial pilot certificate and possessed experience in a variety of aircraft, including gliders and jets.
Dallin Laufenberg was identified as the passenger. Reports suggest Laufenberg was an active member of the local aviation community, with some sources linking him to operations at Nampa Airport, though the NTSB report focuses primarily on the factual circumstances of the crash rather than biographical details.
The preliminary details of this accident highlight the persistent danger of wire strikes in low-level backcountry flying. River canyons often present a “terrain trap” where power lines are strung across gaps, becoming nearly invisible against complex backgrounds like running water, rocks, or snow. While the Carbon Cub is a highly capable STOL aircraft designed for this environment, the visibility of obstacles remains a critical human factor challenge. The recovery of onboard video will likely be pivotal in determining whether the wires were marked or if environmental conditions contributed to the pilot’s inability to see the obstruction in time.
The current document released by the NTSB is a preliminary report, which contains factual information gathered at the scene but does not determine a probable cause. The investigation will proceed through several phases:
What is a Preliminary Report? What is the Carbon Cub FX? Is the investigation complete? Sources: NTSB Preliminary Report, CubCrafters Official Statement, KBOI-TV (CBS 2), Gem County Sheriff’s Office
NTSB Releases Preliminary Findings on Fatal Carbon Cub Crash in Idaho
Accident Sequence and Site Details
Wire Strike and Impact
Wreckage Recovery
Aircraft and Operational Context
Media Evaluation Program Suspended
Victim Profiles
AirPro News Analysis
Investigation Timeline
Frequently Asked Questions
An NTSB preliminary report is an initial document released shortly after an accident. It establishes the basic facts, such as time, location, and aircraft type, but does not analyze the cause or assign blame.
The Carbon Cub FX is a high-performance, lightweight aircraft modernized from the classic Piper Cub design. It is widely used for backcountry and off-airport operations due to its ability to take off and land in very short distances.
No. The investigation is ongoing. A full determination of probable cause typically takes more than a year to complete.
Photo Credit: CubCrafters