7) TERRAIN COLLISION, C-FIT

Beechcraft F35 | N5009B

July 6th, 2025 | Angel Fire, New Mexico

Accident Location

  • City: Angel Fire
  • State: New Mexico
  • Latitude: 36.49096
  • Longitude: -105.13582
  • Airport ID: KAXX

Aircraft Info

  • N Number: N5009B
  • Make: Beechcraft
  • Model: F35
  • Aircraft Category: Aircraft Single Engine Land
  • Amateur Built: No

Pilot Info

  • PIC Name: Acosta, Mario Lu
  • Gender: Male
  • Pilot Age: 64
  • Pilot Hours:
  • Flight School: No
  • Instructional Flight: No
  • Pilot Certification: Private Pilot
  • IFR Rating: No
  • Pilot Error: Yes
  • Pilot Medical: 3rd Class Medical
  • Pilot Incapacitation: No

Analysis

  • Date: July 6th, 2025
  • Time: 1:30 PM Local Time
  • Day / Night: Day
  • VMC / IMC: VMC
  • Phase Of Flight: Takeoff
  • Total People Onboard: 1
  • PIC Fatality: 1
  • PAX Fatalities: 0
  • Ground Fatalities: 0
  • Total Fatalities: 1
  • NTSB No: WPR25FA205
  • NTSB Travel: Yes
  • AQP Classification: 7) TERRAIN COLLISION, C-FIT

Probable Cause

DTSB: The DTSB determines the Probable Cause of this accident to be pilot error, in that the non instrument rated accident pilot elected to takeoff during a time of deteriorating weather conditions, and his normal 246 nm trip from Angel Fire airport to Hobbs, nm routinely followed a route north and then east via Eagle Nest Dam and through the Cimarron Canyon. On the accident flight, the accident pilot elected to make a much earlier turn to the east into the face of rising terrain, likely to avoid storm clouds ahead. The wreckage was found at the end of a box canyon, at an elevation of 9,932 feet MSL, where he had a attempted a 180 degree course reversal and stalled the aircraft. The accident pilot was known to rely heavily of Foreflight and his ipad for all navigation and weather information.

NTSB: NONE

Recommendation

DTSB: The DTSB recommends that all pilots of all aircraft delay and avoid flights that are obviously well beyond the capability of both the pilot and the aircraft.

NTSB: NONE

DISCLAIMER: All data and Probable Cause listings are “Probable” only. They are based on opinion and educated speculation, and are for educational purposes only. They may contain incorrect information and are subject to change as new information becomes available.