Casualties unknown

Pilot Reports Wind Shift During Takeoff; Aircraft Cartwheels and Comes to Rest Inverted (N8935V)

Quemado, NM, US

On February 26, 1986, a Cessna 172M (registration N8935V) was involved in an aviation accident near Quemado, NM. 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

The pilot reported variable and gusty wind conditions during takeoff. After a wind shift to a tailwind, the aircraft settled back onto the runway. Adding flaps, a gust lifted the left wing, causing the right wing to strike a fence post, leading to a cartwheel and inverted rest.

Event Overview

A pilot reported that during a takeoff, wind conditions were variable and gusty. Initially a quartering headwind was present, but as takeoff speed was reached, the wind shifted to a tailwind. The aircraft lifted off briefly but immediately settled back onto the runway.

Pilot Actions

In an attempt to become airborne and avoid a hole near the end of the runway, the pilot added flaps. A gust of wind then caused the left wing to lift up, and the right wing contacted a fence post. The aircraft subsequently cartwheeled and came to rest inverted.

Outcome

The aircraft came to rest upside down after the sequence of events. The pilot's report formed the basis of this summary.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 26 Feb 1986 Cessna 172M accident near Quemado, NM?

The pilot reported variable and gusty wind conditions during takeoff. After a wind shift to a tailwind, the aircraft settled back onto the runway. Adding flaps, a gust lifted the left wing, causing the right wing to strike a fence post, leading to a cartwheel and inverted rest.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 26 Feb 1986 involved a Cessna 172M, registration N8935V, at Quemado, NM.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X32852. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.