On December 23, 1985, a Gulfstream American AA-1A YANKEE (registration N9201L) operated by James T. Bean was involved in an aviation accident near Cloudcroft, NM. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inability to maintain terrain clearance during flight in an area of high terrain, resulting in an emergency landing into trees. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot flying from Alamogordo, New Mexico, to Roswell encountered high terrain that prevented further climb, resulting in an emergency landing into trees with no mechanical failures reported.
What happened
The pilot was operating a flight from Alamogordo, New Mexico, toward Roswell, New Mexico. During the transit, the pilot followed a highway as a navigational aid. This route eventually led the aircraft into an area characterized by high terrain. The pilot determined that the aircraft was unable to climb over this topographical obstacle. Unable to turn around safely in the confined space, the pilot executed an emergency landing directly into trees.
The investigation
Following the incident, the pilot indicated that there were no mechanical problems with the aircraft prior to the landing. The lack of mechanical failure suggests the event was driven by environmental and operational constraints rather than equipment malfunction.
Probable cause
The pilot's inability to maintain terrain clearance during flight in an area of high terrain, resulting in an emergency landing into trees.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 23 Dec 1985 Gulfstream American AA-1A YANKEE accident near Cloudcroft, NM?
A pilot flying from Alamogordo, New Mexico, to Roswell encountered high terrain that prevented further climb, resulting in an emergency landing into trees with no mechanical failures reported.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 23 Dec 1985 involved a Gulfstream American AA-1A YANKEE, registration N9201L, operated by James T. Bean, at Cloudcroft, NM.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's inability to maintain terrain clearance during flight in an area of high terrain, resulting in an emergency landing into trees.
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