# NTSB investigations, NM: In flight collision with terrain/water

NTSB aviation accident and incident investigations since 1962: the probable cause, findings, aircraft, crew, weather and docket of each, linked to the FAA registry and the FAA’s own reports.

Page 1 of 2 · 76 cases

## Latest cases

- [NTSB DFW08LA134](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DFW08LA134.md): Cessna 310 · Glenwood, NM · Accident · 2 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 21, 2007 · N28836 · Destroyed
  > A loss of control for undetermined reasons. Contributing to the accident was the marginal weather conditions in the area at the time of the accident.
- [NTSB DEN07MA134](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN07MA134.md): Beech E90B · Ruidoso, NM · Accident · 5 fatal · Major investigation · Final report · Aug 6, 2007 · N369CD · Destroyed
  > Failure to maintain clearance from terrain due to spatial disorientation.
- [NTSB DEN07FA100](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN07FA100.md): Beech 58 · Placitas, NM · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 16, 2007 · N6750R · Destroyed
  > the failure of the pilot to maintain adequate terrain separation, for undetermined reasons, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain. A contributing factor was the mountainous terrain.
- [NTSB DEN06LA113](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN06LA113.md): Piper PA-23-160 · Santa Fe, NM · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 12, 2006 · N245TB · Substantial damage
  > the pilot's improper decision to continue the attempted takeoff when Vx airspeed was not obtained, and failure to abort the takeoff during ground roll which resulted in an impact on the remaining runway with the landing gear retracted. A contributing factor…
- [NTSB LAX05CA137](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX05CA137.md): Cessna 172S · Gallup, NM · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Apr 12, 2005 · N520ER · Substantial damage
  > the pilot's premature liftoff and inadequate remedial action, which resulted in the airplane inadvertently recontacting the runway.
- [NTSB DEN04TA088](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN04TA088.md): Cessna C172P · Las Cruces, NM · Accident · Serious injuries · Final report · Jun 10, 2004 · N9474L · Substantial damage
  > the pilot's failure to maintain clearance from terrain and the improper go-around procedure. Contributing factors include the pilot's diverted attention, improper in-flight planning and decision making, pilot fatigue, the night conditions and the mesquite…
- [NTSB DEN04LA017](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN04LA017.md): Cessna 172R · Cloudcroft, NM · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 1, 2003 · N9864F · Destroyed
  > the dual student's failure to maintain clearance from the terrain. Also causal was the flight instructor's inadequate supervision. Low altitude flight and rising terrain are contributing factors.
- [NTSB FTW03FA055](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW03FA055.md): Cessna 421C · Tajique, NM · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 4, 2002 · N3855C · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance. Factors contributing to the accident were the high mountains, mountain obscuration, the dark night condition, and the pilot's improper in-flight planning/decision making.
- [NTSB FTW02FA195](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW02FA195.md): Beech H-18 · Tatum, NM · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 1, 2002 · N835K · Destroyed
  > The failure of the pilot to maintain clearance.
- [NTSB FTW02LA092](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW02LA092.md): Schleicher AS-W19 · Moriarty, NM · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 12, 2002 · N333US · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's attempt to perform a turn upwind at a altitude too low to complete the turn. A factor was the turbulance.
- [NTSB FTW02LA084](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW02LA084.md): Cessna 172A · Albuquerque, NM · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 22, 2002 · N6845X · Substantial damage
  > the pilot's delay in executing a go-around while conducting a simulated emergency landing, which resulted in an in flight collision with terrain.
- [NTSB FTW02LA076](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW02LA076.md): Piper PA-31T · Hobbs, NM · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 5, 2002 · N794CA · Destroyed
  > the pilot's failure to maintain the proper glidepath during the instrument approach. Contributing factors were the dark night light conditions and the pilot's diverted attention.
- [NTSB DEN01LA054](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN01LA054.md): Piper PA-32-300 · Angel Fire, NM · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 18, 2001 · N3051U · Substantial damage
  > the pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during landing. Contributing factors were the crosswind, the pilot exceeding the published maximum demonstrated crosswind component, and the snow bank.
- [NTSB DEN01FA018](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN01FA018.md): Cessna 182P · Taos, NM · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 30, 2000 · N21390 · Destroyed
  > the pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance while maneuvering in a narrow canyon. Contributing factors were the down slope winds in excess of 50 knots and the pilot's improper decision to enter the canyon given the wind conditions.
- [NTSB DEN01FA003](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN01FA003.md): Cessna R-182 · Grants, NM · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 11, 2000 · N182BG · Destroyed
  > the pilot's continued VFR flight into IMC during cruise. Contributing factors were the dark night light conditions, and the cloudy weather conditions.
- [NTSB DEN00LA047](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN00LA047.md): Beech A36 · Farmington, NM · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 3, 2000 · N8240U · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot's excessive remedial action (banking to realign the airplane with the runway). Factors were the student pilot flaring the airplane prematurely and failing to maintain directional control, and the flight instructor's inadequate supervision of…
- [NTSB DEN00LA030](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN00LA030.md): Piper PA-31T1 · Santa Fe, NM · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 16, 1999 · N919RD · Substantial damage
  > The pilot initiating lift off at an airspeed insufficient to maintain flight and retracting the landing gear prematurely resulting in a stall mush. A factor was the pilot incorrectly setting the elevator trim.
- [NTSB DEN99FA142](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN99FA142.md): Cessna 172P · Grants, NM · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 3, 1999 · N6497K · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to fly the aircraft at an altitude sufficient to clear surrounding terrain. Factors were: The pilot's in-flight planning and decision making in proceeding into known adverse weather. Low ceiling, rain, lack of total pilot experience, and…
- [NTSB FTW98FA248](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW98FA248.md): Jacob Tussel Everett B1 · Stanley, NM · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 31, 1998 · N30BP · Destroyed
  > The pilot's intentional performance of an aerobatic maneuver at an altitude insufficient for a safe recovery.
- [NTSB FTW98LA213](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW98LA213.md): Beech A-36 · Ruidoso, NM · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 10, 1998 · N6150X · Substantial damage
  > Inadvertent post departure stall. A factor was high gusty winds.
- [NTSB FTW98TA099](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW98TA099.md): Bell 47G-3B-1 · Magdalena, NM · Accident · No injuries · Final report · Jan 15, 1998 · N7901S · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate main rotor rpm. A factor was a lack of recent experience in the type of operation being performed.
- [NTSB FTW97LA179](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW97LA179.md): Callair A2A · Grants, NM · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 6, 1997 · N2915V · Substantial damage
  > Inadvertent stall. Factors were the ground depression, the high density altitude, and a lack of recent experience in the make and model of aircraft.
- [NTSB FTW97FA067](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW97FA067.md): Beech A36 · Chacon, NM · Accident · 6 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 21, 1996 · N3869A · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain altitude and clearance from the high, mountainous terrain. Factors were; high wind, turbulence, and mountain wave conditions.
- [NTSB FTW97LA023](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW97LA023.md): Aerostar RX 8 · Albuquerque, NM · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 8, 1996 · N3581D · No damage
  > A sudden increase in wind velocity.
- [NTSB FTW95LA267](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW95LA267.md): Thunder and Colt AX7-77 · Santa Fe, NM · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 4, 1995 · N5402V · No damage
  > The pilot's improper planning for the high wind landing. Factors were the unfavorable winds and the tree stump.
- [NTSB FTW95LA224](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW95LA224.md): Cornelius LONG-EZ · Clines Corner, NM · Accident · 2 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · May 29, 1995 · N111PC · Destroyed
  > The pilot flying the aircraft into IMC conditions at an altitude which was inadequate to clear surrounding terrain. Factors were low ceiling and fog.
- [NTSB FTW95LA214](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW95LA214.md): Cessna 172H · San Ignacio, NM · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 22, 1995 · N2840L · Substantial damage
  > The pilot flying at an inadequate altitude to clear surrounding terrain. Factors were: high mountainous terrain and high density altitude.
- [NTSB FTW95FA050](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW95FA050.md): Cessna 172P · Deming, NM · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 18, 1994 · N54378 · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain sufficient altitude and clearance in moutainous terrain. Factors were rising terrain and gusty, high wind conditions.
- [NTSB FTW95LA021](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW95LA021.md): Piper PA-32-260 · Albuquerque, NM · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 14, 1994 · N3699W · Substantial damage
  > Improper planning/decision by the pilot, while attempting flight into known adverse weather (wind), and his inadequate compensation for wind conditions. The gusty crosswind conditions and turbulence were related factors.
- [NTSB FTW94FA101](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW94FA101.md): Cessna 172RG · Dulce, NM · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 16, 1994 · N4663V · Destroyed
  > Failure by the pilot in command to properly plan the flight and calculate performance data.
- [NTSB FTW93FA255](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW93FA255.md): Gates Learjet 25D · Pecos, NM · Accident · 7 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 5, 1993 · N999BH · Destroyed
  > Was physical impairment of the pilot in command from alcohol and drugs. A factor was the first officer's lack of experience in the lear jet.
- [NTSB DEN93LA105](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN93LA105.md): Cessna 172P · Santa Fe, NM · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 28, 1993 · N65655 · Substantial damage
  > Improper planning and decision making by the pilot in command in descending into a valley at an altitude providing no escape route in mountainous terrain.
- [NTSB FTW93FA165](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW93FA165.md): Fairchild SA-226T · Santa Fe, NM · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 26, 1993 · N241DT · Destroyed
  > The pilot's poorly planned circling approach, and his failure to maintain an adequate altitude. Factors which contributed to the accident were: the dark night and a lack of visual reference.
- [NTSB FTW93FA103](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW93FA103.md): Beech 58 · Grants, NM · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 15, 1993 · N4320W · Destroyed
  > The pilot's inadequate preflight planning/preparation and the selection of an altitude that would not provide terrain clearance along his planned route. Factors were the dark night conditions and the mountainous terrain.
- [NTSB DEN92FA078](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN92FA078.md): Cessna 337A · Ruidoso, NM · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 1, 1992 · N337LS · Destroyed
  > The pilot experiencing spatial disorientation and the resultant excessive descent rate. Factors were: the dark night conditions.
- [NTSB DEN92FA064](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN92FA064.md): Mitsubishi MU-2B-30 · Alamagordo, NM · Accident · 6 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 25, 1992 · N108SC · Destroyed
  > The failure of the pilot to exercise adequate VFR departure terrain avoidance procedures, and the failure of the controller to issue a safety alert to the pilot. Factors which contributed to the accident were: the pilot's lack of familiarity with the…
- [NTSB FTW92FA099](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW92FA099.md): Rockwell 690A · Taos, NM · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 30, 1992 · N111FL · Destroyed
  > The pilot in command's failure to maintain the climb after departing the runway environment. Factors were the weather conditions and the dark night.
- [NTSB DEN92FA016](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN92FA016.md): Cessna 210M · Albuquerque, NM · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 18, 1991 · N1231M · Destroyed
  > Insufficient terrain clearance altitude selected by the pilot in command.
- [NTSB FTW92LA039](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW92LA039.md): Cessna 152 · Las Cruces, NM · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 8, 1991 · N4628Q · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's misjudgment of the airplane's performance which led to a situation where it could not climb above the rising terrain. A factor was the high density altitude which existed in the mountains at the time of the accident.
- [NTSB DEN91LA114](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN91LA114.md): Air Tractor AT-502 · Clovis, NM · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 16, 1991 · N4535K · Destroyed
  > Failure of the pilot to maintain clearance from rising/uneven terrain. Factors related to the accident were: the light conditions at dusk, and the lack of visual cues for the pilot.
- [NTSB DEN91FA051](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN91FA051.md): Beech 58 · Whites City, NM · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 5, 1991 · N2019V · Destroyed
  > The pilot's inflight decision to fly at low altitude. Factors were: turbulence and downdrafts.
- [NTSB DEN91FA048](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN91FA048.md): Cessna T210M · Taos, NM · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 2, 1991 · N761MU · Destroyed
  > The pilot's decision to initiate flight into freezing rain which resulted in structural icing that exceeded the ability of the aircraft to maintain flight. A factor was: improper deicing.
- [NTSB DEN91LA030](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN91LA030.md): Cessna 206A · Carlsbad, NM · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jan 1, 1991 · N2691X · Substantial damage
  > A loss of control by the pilot during landing roll due to his failure to maintain directional control.
- [NTSB DEN91FA020](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN91FA020.md): Cessna T210L · Clovis, NM · Accident · Serious injuries · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 20, 1990 · N22054 · Destroyed
  > An inadvertent descent into the ground while conducting a non-precision instrument approach, as a result of the pilot failing to stop his descent at mda. A factor is low visibility due to fog.
- [NTSB DEN91FA013](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN91FA013.md): Bellanca 8KCAB · Belen, NM · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 26, 1990 · N5058J · Destroyed
  > The pilot misjudged the aircraft's altitude (ground clearance) above the desert terrain.
- [NTSB FTW90FA186](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW90FA186.md): Mooney M20A · San Ysidro, NM · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 24, 1990 · N6054X · Destroyed
  > Failure of the pilot to maintain adequate terrain clearance during a night VFR flight. Darkness and mountainous terrain were related factors.
- [NTSB DEN90FA184](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN90FA184.md): Morane-Saulnier MS760 · Albuquerque, NM · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 11, 1990 · N23ST · Destroyed
  > Failure of the pilot to maintain a climb after takeoff, due to spatial disorientation. Factors related to the accident were: darkness, pilot fatigue, and the pilot's lack of recent experience in night flying operation.
- [NTSB DEN90LA171](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN90LA171.md): Cessna 140 · Silver City, NM · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 17, 1990 · N3648V · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's improper planning which resulted in a flight in conditions which exceeded the performance capability of the aircraft. The high density altitude was a factor.
- [NTSB DEN90LA006](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN90LA006.md): Beech A36 · Las Vegas, NM · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 9, 1989 · N6029S · Substantial damage
  > Failure of the pilot to abort the takeoff, when she failed to attain sufficient speed within the appropriate takeoff distance. A factor related to the accident was: high density altitude.
- [NTSB DEN89FA184](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN89FA184.md): Cessna 172M · Albuquerque, NM · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 6, 1989 · N64263 · Destroyed
  > The pilot deliberately flew his aircraft into the face of a mountain. A contributing factor was: the psychological condition of the pilot.

Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb.md?state=NM&occurrence=230&page=2

## The whole list in SQL

Runs in DuckDB 1.2 or later on the release's Parquet files over HTTPS:

```sql
SELECT c."ntsbNumber", c."eventDate", c."eventType", c."eventCity", c."eventStateOrRegion", a.n_number, a."aircraftMake", a."aircraftModel", c."highestInjuryLevel", c."totalFatal", c."completionStatus", c.report_url
FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_case_detail.parquet' c LEFT JOIN 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' a ON a.case_mkey = c."mKey" AND a.position = 1
WHERE c."eventStateOrRegion" = 'NM' AND c."eventCountry" = 'USA'
  AND c."mKey" IN (SELECT o.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_occurrences.parquet' o WHERE o."occurrenceNumber" = 1 AND o."occurrenceCode" = 230)
ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC
```

This list as a web page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb?occurrence=230&state=NM

---
OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.