U-FITAQP: 21) THE IMPOSSIBLE TURN

Bellanca Super Viking | N432DM

Moriarty, New Mexico

  • DTSB analysis published
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Key facts

  • DateSeptember 16, 2025
  • Local time11:30 AM
  • LightDay
  • WeatherVMC
  • Phase of flightTakeoff
  • People on board2
  • Fatalities1
  • Airport0E0

Accident Location

City, State
Moriarty, New Mexico
Latitude
34.9625
Longitude
-106.049722
Airport ID
0E0

Aircraft Info

N Number
N432DM
Make
Bellanca
Model
Super Viking
Category / Class
Aircraft Single Engine Land
Amateur Built
No

Pilot Info

Gender
Female
Certification
Commercial Pilot
IFR rating
Yes
Medical
Unknown
Flight school
No
Instructional flight
Yes

Analysis

Weather
VMC
Time of day
Day
Phase of flight
Takeoff
Pilot error
Yes
Pilot incapacitation
No
People on board
2
PIC fatality
1
Total fatalities
1
NTSB travel
Unknown

Probable Cause

THE DTSB

Pending. The aircraft arrived from the north and did either a touch and go or possibly a go around, runway 26. During the climb, the aircraft encountered ROTOT or LOTOT, and the accident pilot elected a left turn to get back to the airport,. In the process of the 180 degree turn, the aircraft was stalled and powerlines were struck, one person was fatally injured. The flight was operated as an instructional flight with a male student in the left seat, a female CFI in the right seat. The CFI survived the crash. The name of the CFI is unknow at this time.

NTSB

None yet (final report not yet published).

Recommendation

THE DTSB

Pending.

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