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NTSB Report

June 10, 2004 · Cessna C172P · N9474L

Las Cruces, NM

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 10, 2004
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (1 serious injury, 1 minor injury)
Location
Las Cruces, NM
Aircraft
Cessna C172P
Tail Number
N9474L
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
DEN04TA088

Shortly after takeoff, the low voltage light illuminated and the pilot elected to return to land. The pilot transmitted on the Unicom frequency that he was "turning base to final for runway 26" when in fact he was turning base to final for runway 22. The pilot of another airplane heard this report and elected to take off on runway 22. The pilot of the accident airplane sighted the other aircraft on the runway and elected to make a 360-degree turn for spacing purposes. During the turn, the airplane struck large mesquite bushes and was destroyed when it collided with terrain. Prior to the flight, the pilot performed three takeoffs and landings to a full stop to renew his night flight currency for the carriage of passengers. His last night flight was on September 1, 2003. According to the pilot, he had flown 6.9 hours on the day of the accident.

NTSB Probable Cause

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 bushes.

Full Narrative

On June 9, 2004, at approximately 2110 mountain daylight time, a Cessna C172P, N9474L, operated by the New Mexico Wing of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP), was destroyed when the pilot attempted to make a go around at Las Cruces International Airport (LRU), Las Cruces, New Mexico. The private pilot received serious injuries and the passenger received minor injuries. Night visual meteorological conditions prevailed. No flight plan had been filed for the cross-country flight being conducted under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91. The flight to Albuquerque, New Mexico, was originating at the time of the accident. According to the accident report submitted by the CAP, the airplane had just departed LRU when the low voltage light illuminated and the pilot returned to LRU. The pilot transmitted on the Unicom frequency that he was "turning base to final for runway 26" but was actually turning base to final for runway 22. The pilot of another CAP airplane heard this report and elected to take off on runway 22. The pilot of N9474L sighted the other aircraft on the runway and made a 360-degree turn for spacing purposes. During the turn, the airplane struck large mesquite bushes and collided with terrain. The nose wheel was severed, and the airplane nosed over and slid into a fence. The engine mounts were broken, the wing struts were bent and the vertical stabilizer was crushed. The pilot sustained broken bones. Prior to the flight, the accident pilot had performed three take-off, landing and taxi back procedures to renew his night flight currency for carriage of passengers. (49 CFR Part 61.56) His last night flight was on September 1, 2003. According to the report, the pilot had flown for 6.9 hours on the day of the accident.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time21:10 MDT
Nearest AirportLas Cruces International (2nm NE)
Runway22
Runway Length7499 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna C172P
Tail NumberN9474L
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360-A4A · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (1 serious injury, 1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 75 · Third Class · Serious

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightNight
Wind270° @ 8 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point10 C
Altimeter29.94 inHg
Observation Time03:29
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data