Back to all transcripts
Dale 'Snort' Snodgrass - Marchetti N28U Crash in Idaho
ATC recording of the fatal crash of legendary Navy pilot Dale "Snort" Snodgrass in Idaho.
Summary
On July 27, 2021, aviation legend Dale "Snort" Snodgrass crashed his Marchetti SF.260 shortly after takeoff from Lewiston-Nez Perce County Airport. The transcript captures the routine departure sequence followed by the controller's shocked reaction and the immediate coordination of emergency response teams. The investigation later determined the cause was a failure to remove the internal control lock before flight.
Analysis
The recording begins with a standard exchange between Dale Snodgrass, flying a Marchetti SF.260 (N28U), and Lewiston Tower. Snodgrass, one of the most famous fighter pilots in U.S. Navy history, appears calm and professional as he requests a departure from Runway 12 at intersection Delta. There is no indication of any mechanical issues or stress during the taxi and initial takeoff clearance.
The turning point occurs shortly after the takeoff roll begins. The controller’s sudden exclamation, "Oh! Check! Check!" marks the moment the aircraft pitched up aggressively and crashed. Following this, the transcript shifts entirely to emergency management. The controller displays high competence, immediately authorizing all ground vehicles to enter movement areas and directing fire crews (Engine 74) and airport operations (Mobile 4 and 6) to the crash site.
A key technical detail mentioned in the transcript is the controller's warning to "use caution" because "there are people running up to that aircraft." This highlights the chaotic nature of an airfield immediately following a visible catastrophe. The subsequent dialogue involves coordinating airport closures and managing other traffic, such as a SkyWest commercial flight and an incoming helicopter, while the tower manager coordinates with local police.
The significance of this event in the aviation community cannot be overstated. Dale Snodgrass was a "pilot's pilot," famous for his F-14 Tomcat demonstrations and for being the highest-time F-14 pilot in history. The NTSB later concluded that the crash was caused by the pilot's failure to remove the gust lock (a device that prevents control surfaces from moving while parked), which pinned the elevator in a slightly nose-up position. This serves as a haunting reminder that even the most elite pilots are susceptible to checklist errors.
Original ATC Communication
Plain English Translation
MARCHETTI 28U
Lewiston Ground, Marchetti 28 Uniform.
MARCHETTI 28U
Lewiston ground control, this is the Marchetti plane, tail number 28 Uniform.
ATC
Marchetti 28 Uniform, Lewiston Tower. Good morning.
ATC
Marchetti 28 Uniform, this is Lewiston Tower. Good morning to you.
MARCHETTI 28U
I have the numbers. I'm VFR up to 37 Idaho, and I’d like a runway 12 departure at Delta.
MARCHETTI 28U
I've got the current weather and airport info. I’m flying by sight to 37 Idaho, and I’d like to start my takeoff from the Delta intersection on Runway 12.
ATC
Marchetti 28 Uniform, Lewiston Ground. Runway 12 at Delta, taxi as requested via Delta. Wind calm, altimeter 30.10.
ATC
Marchetti 28 Uniform, Lewiston Ground. Drive to Runway 12 using taxiway Delta as you asked. The wind is calm, and the barometric pressure for your altitude is 30.10.
MARCHETTI 28U
Understand, clear for takeoff.
MARCHETTI 28U
Understood, I'm cleared to take off.
ATC
Mobile 4, remain off runway 12-30 RSA, the approach end of runway 30, for departing traffic. Runway 12 at midfield.
ATC
Mobile 4, stay clear of the safety zone at the start of Runway 30 because of the departing plane. We have a takeoff happening from the middle of Runway 12.
ATC
Marchetti 28 Uniform, Lewiston Tower. Runway 12 at Delta, cleared for takeoff.
ATC
Marchetti 28 Uniform, this is Lewiston Tower. You are officially cleared for takeoff from Runway 12 at the Delta intersection.
MARCHETTI 28U
28 Uniform is cleared for takeoff at Delta on 12. Thanks.
MARCHETTI 28U
28 Uniform is cleared for takeoff from the Delta spot on Runway 12. Thanks.
ATC
Marchetti 28 Uniform, when able, request you change to frequency 119.4.
ATC
Marchetti 28 Uniform, as soon as you’re able, please switch your radio to channel 119.4.
MARCHETTI 28U
Sorry about that. Yep.
MARCHETTI 28U
Oh, sorry about that. I'm switching now.
MARCHETTI 28U
Tower, 28 Uniform's up.
MARCHETTI 28U
Tower, 28 Uniform is on this frequency now.
ATC
Marchetti 28 Uniform, Roger. Runway 12 at Delta, cleared for takeoff.
ATC
Marchetti 28 Uniform, I copy that. You are cleared for takeoff from Runway 12 at the Delta intersection.
MARCHETTI 28U
Cleared for takeoff.
MARCHETTI 28U
Cleared for takeoff.
ATC
Oh! Check! Check!
ATC
Oh! Wait! Watch out!
MOBILE 4
Mobile 4 for Skywest on Tower.
MOBILE 4
This is the Mobile 4 ground vehicle for Skywest, calling the Tower.
ATC
Mobile 4, proceed on Charlie. Mobile 4, use caution. There are people running up to that aircraft, so make sure you don't run over anybody.
ATC
Mobile 4, go ahead onto taxiway Charlie. Mobile 4, be careful. There are people rushing out to that plane, so watch out and make sure you don't hit anyone.
MOBILE 4
Mobile 4, Roger.
MOBILE 4
Mobile 4, understood.
ATC
Any vehicles on ground frequency that are going to that accident, you are free to proceed onto the movement areas at any point.
ATC
To any vehicles on this frequency heading to the crash site, you are authorized to drive onto the runways and taxiways at any point.
ATC
Engine 74, if you are on frequency, proceed off Foxtrot onto—correction—Foxtrot, then Charlie, cross runway 12-30.
ATC
Engine 74, if you're listening, head off Foxtrot onto—actually—take Foxtrot, then Charlie, and drive across the 12-30 runway.
ENGINE 74
Engine 74 is ready to proceed.
ENGINE 74
Engine 74 is ready to move out.
ATC
Engine 74, you may proceed to the accident as requested via Charlie 4, Charlie.
ATC
Engine 74, you're cleared to go to the crash site as you requested by way of paths Charlie 4 and Charlie.
MOBILE 4
Mobile 4, cross runway 12-30 on Foxtrot.
MOBILE 4
Mobile 4, I'm crossing runway 12-30 at the Foxtrot intersection.
ATC
Mobile 4, cross runway 30 at Foxtrot. Proceed Foxtrot, Alpha, Alpha 2, cross runway 8-26.
ATC
Mobile 4, go ahead and cross runway 30 at Foxtrot. Then follow paths Foxtrot, Alpha, and Alpha 2, and cross over runway 8-26.
MOBILE 4
Mobile 4, proceed Foxtrot, Alpha, Alpha 2, Zulu 2, cross runway 8-26. Mobile 4 is exit runway 8-26 at Zulu 2, moving off the area.
MOBILE 4
Mobile 4, going via Foxtrot, Alpha, Alpha 2, and Zulu 2, crossing runway 8-26. I am now turning off runway 8-26 at Zulu 2 and leaving the active area.
ATC
Mobile 4, Roger. Thank you.
ATC
Mobile 4, I've got you. Thank you.
MOBILE 6
Lewiston Ground, Mobile 6.
MOBILE 6
Lewiston ground control, this is Mobile 6.
ATC
Mobile 6, Lewiston Ground.
ATC
Mobile 6, this is Lewiston ground, go ahead.
MOBILE 6
Ground, Mobile 6 would like to proceed Charlie 4.
MOBILE 6
Ground, Mobile 6 would like to head toward the Charlie 4 access point.
ATC
Mobile 6, proceed Charlie 4. Mobile 6, you kind of broke up there at the end. You're requesting Charlie 4, then where do you want to go? Proceed Charlie 4—correction—Mobile 6, proceed Charlie 4, Charlie, Foxtrot, Alpha, cross runway 12-30, hold short runway 8.
ATC
Mobile 6, go to Charlie 4. Your radio cut out a bit there—you asked for Charlie 4, but where are you heading after that? Actually, just take Charlie 4 to Charlie, then Foxtrot to Alpha. Cross runway 12-30, but stop and wait before you reach runway 8.
MOBILE 6
Mobile 6, proceed Charlie 4, Foxtrot, cross runway 12-30, Foxtrot, Alpha, hold short of runway 8.
MOBILE 6
Mobile 6, heading to Charlie 4 and Foxtrot, crossing runway 12-30, then via Foxtrot and Alpha, and I will stop short of runway 8.
MOBILE 4
Lewiston Ground, Mobile 4. We’re at Zulu 2, cross runway 8 at Alpha 2.
MOBILE 4
Lewiston Ground, this is Mobile 4. We’re currently at taxiway Zulu 2, and we're crossing runway 8 at the Alpha 2 intersection.
ATC
Mobile 4, proceed Zulu 2, Alpha 2, cross runway 8. Proceed Alpha, Foxtrot onto runway 12-30. Use caution with Mobile 6 off your right-hand side.
ATC
Mobile 4, go ahead through Zulu 2 and Alpha 2, and cross runway 8. Then continue down taxiways Alpha and Foxtrot to get onto runway 12-30. Watch out for Mobile 6, who is just off to your right.
MOBILE 6
Mobile 6, proceed Alpha 2, Zulu 2, cross runway 8.
MOBILE 6
This is Mobile 6, moving through taxiways Alpha 2 and Zulu 2 to cross runway 8.
ATC
Helicopter 359 Echo Victor, Lewiston Tower. Say again your position.
ATC
Helicopter 359 Echo Victor, this is Lewiston Tower. Please repeat your current position.
HELICOPTER 9EV
We're ten miles to the west.
HELICOPTER 9EV
We are ten miles out to the west of the airport.
ATC
Helicopter 9 Echo Victor, proceed direct to the airport. Wind calm, altimeter 30.09. Report one mile to the west.
ATC
Helicopter 9 Echo Victor, fly straight to the airport. The wind is calm, and the barometric pressure for your altitude setting is 30.09. Let me know when you're one mile west of here.
SKYW 4229
Lewiston Tower, Skywest 4229. Is there any closures with the event today?
SKYW 4229
Lewiston Tower, Skywest flight 4229. Are there any parts of the airport closed because of the event today?
ATC
Skywest 4229, Lewiston Ground. I don't have that information just yet, but as soon as I get an update, I'll let you know.
ATC
Skywest 4229, this is Ground control. I don’t have those details yet, but as soon as I get an update, I’ll let you know.
SKYW 4229
Okay. Yeah, thanks. And sorry. Skywest 4229.
SKYW 4229
Okay, sounds good. Thanks, and sorry for the trouble. Skywest 4229.
ATC
All good. Mobile 4, say again.
ATC
No problem at all. Mobile 4, please repeat your last message.
MOBILE 4
Mobile 4 is at runway 12-30 at Foxtrot. Proceed Foxtrot, Alpha, Alpha 2, cross runway 8-26.
MOBILE 4
Mobile 4 is at the intersection of runway 12-30 and taxiway Foxtrot. We’re heading down Foxtrot to Alpha and Alpha 2 to cross over runway 8-26.
ATC
Mobile 4, proceed Foxtrot, Alpha, Alpha 2, Zulu 2, cross runway 8.
ATC
Mobile 4, proceed through taxiways Foxtrot, Alpha, Alpha 2, and Zulu 2, and you are clear to cross runway 8.
HELICOPTER 9EV
Echo Victor, one mile out.
HELICOPTER 9EV
Echo Victor, we are now one mile away.
ATC
Helicopter 9 Echo Victor, landing at Hillcrest will be at your own risk. Use caution, remain on the south side of runway 12-30 at all times.
ATC
Helicopter 9 Echo Victor, landing at the Hillcrest area will be at your own risk. Use caution and make sure you stay on the south side of runway 12-30 at all times.
HELICOPTER 9EV
Roger, south of runway 120, 9 Echo Victor.
HELICOPTER 9EV
Understood, staying south of runway 120. 9 Echo Victor.
MOBILE 4
Lewiston Ground, Mobile 4.
MOBILE 4
Lewiston Ground control, this is the airport vehicle Mobile 4.
ATC
Mobile 4, Lewiston Ground.
ATC
Mobile 4, this is Lewiston Ground, go ahead.
MOBILE 4
Mobile 4 would like to proceed Zulu 2, cross runway 8 to Alpha 2.
MOBILE 4
Mobile 4 would like to drive down taxiway Zulu 2, cross over runway 8, and head to taxiway Alpha 2.
ATC
Mobile 4, hold short of runway 8-26 at Zulu 2—correction—you can proceed Zulu 2, Alpha 2, Alpha, Foxtrot, cross runway 8-26.
ATC
Mobile 4, stop and wait before you reach runway 8-26 at taxiway Zulu 2—actually, correction—you are clear to drive through Zulu 2, Alpha 2, Alpha, and Foxtrot, and go ahead and cross runway 8-26.
MOBILE 4
Mobile 4, proceed Zulu 2, cross runway 8-26, Alpha 2, Alpha, Foxtrot. Proceed Alpha, Foxtrot onto runway 12-30.
MOBILE 4
Mobile 4, I’ll proceed through Zulu 2, cross runway 8-26, then take Alpha 2, Alpha, and Foxtrot. I'm continuing on Alpha and Foxtrot right onto runway 12-30.
LEWISTON OPS
Lewiston Ops to the Tower.
LEWISTON OPS
Lewiston Airport Operations calling the Tower.
ATC
Lewiston Ops, this is Tower.
ATC
Operations, this is the Tower, go ahead.
LEWISTON OPS
I have a police officer here. They’re trying to figure out how to get in and have a conversation with you folks. Can we help them with that?
LEWISTON OPS
I’ve got a police officer here with me. They’re trying to figure out how to get in and talk to you guys directly. Can we help them get up there?
ATC
Lewiston Ops, are you referring for them to come up into the Tower or on the ground? Lewiston Ops, standby just for one.
ATC
Operations, do you mean they want to come up into the control tower or just meet on the ground? Hang on just a second, stay on the line.
LEWISTON OPS
Copy that.
LEWISTON OPS
I'll wait.
MOBILE 4
Mobile 4, proceed Foxtrot, Alpha, Alpha 2, Zulu 2, cross runway 8-26. Is there a NOTAM in the system yet?
MOBILE 4
Mobile 4, driving through Foxtrot, Alpha, Alpha 2, and Zulu 2, and crossing runway 8-26. Has an official safety notice about the airport status been posted in the system yet?
ATC
Mobile 4, I am on the page now, so I'll refresh it real quick just to make sure it is there.
ATC
Mobile 4, I’ve got the page open right now, so I’ll refresh it real quick just to make sure it’s there.
MOBILE 4
If there’s not, I haven’t issued one yet, so I just didn't know if anyone else had.
MOBILE 4
If it’s not there, I haven’t filed the alert yet myself; I just wasn't sure if someone else had already done it.
ATC
Mobile 4, Roger. Let me check real quick and then I’ll get right back to you. Mobile 4, I do not see a NOTAM on there for any airport or runway closures.
ATC
Understood, Mobile 4. Let me double-check and then I’ll get right back to you. Mobile 4, I don’t see any official safety notices on the system for any airport or runway closures.
ATC
Lewiston Ops, Lewiston Tower.
ATC
Lewiston Operations, this is Lewiston Tower calling you back.
LEWISTON OPS
Lewiston Ops, go ahead.
LEWISTON OPS
Lewiston operations staff here, I’m listening.
ATC
Yeah, Lewiston Ops, just to go over the conversation about having the police officers up in the Tower. Unfortunately, due to company standards with COVID going on, we’re not allowed to have anybody up here. My manager is on the phone with one of the officers at this moment, so she's talking to him now.
ATC
Hey Lewiston Ops, just following up on that talk about bringing the police officers up to the control tower. Unfortunately, because of our COVID safety rules, we aren't allowed to have any visitors up here. My manager is actually on the phone with one of the officers right now to explain the situation.
LEWISTON OPS
Thank you.
LEWISTON OPS
Thanks for the update.
0:00
0:00