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Aircraft Accident Following Failed Climb After Takeoff from Gallup, New Mexico (N5984L)

Gallup, NM, US

On June 30, 1985, an American AA-1 (registration N5984L) was involved in an aviation accident near Gallup, NM. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot reported that high density altitude caused a lack of climb performance. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot and his 10-year-old son were involved in an accident when their aircraft failed to climb after takeoff from Gallup, New Mexico, and struck the ground about 3 miles from the airport. The pilot attributed the lack of climb performance to high density altitude.

Overview

A cross-country flight from Los Angeles, California to Tulsa, Oklahoma made an en route stop at Gallup, New Mexico. The aircraft's fuel tanks were fully serviced, and the pilot took off with a passenger—his 10-year-old son—and approximately 50 pounds of tools and baggage on board.

Climb Performance

After takeoff, the pilot reported that the aircraft would not climb more than 75 feet above the ground. Both he and his son stated that the engine seemed to be operating normally. The pilot attributed the lack of climb performance to the high density altitude, which was computed to be 9,600 feet at Gallup.

Attempted Maneuvers

In an effort to gain altitude, the pilot flew the aircraft between ridge tops and lowered the flaps. Despite these actions, about 3 miles from the airport, the aircraft descended and struck the ground.

Impact and Injuries

During the impact, the pilot's seat belt failed. The pilot sustained severe facial injuries and broken ribs. No other injuries were reported in the source.

Probable cause

The pilot reported that high density altitude caused a lack of climb performance.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 30 Jun 1985 American AA-1 accident near Gallup, NM?

A pilot and his 10-year-old son were involved in an accident when their aircraft failed to climb after takeoff from Gallup, New Mexico, and struck the ground about 3 miles from the airport. The pilot attributed the lack of climb performance to high density altitude.

Were there any fatalities in the 30 Jun 1985 American AA-1 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 30 Jun 1985 involved an American AA-1, registration N5984L, at Gallup, NM.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot reported that high density altitude caused a lack of climb performance.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X36769. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.