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Casualties unknown

Stall and collision with terrain at Philmont Scout Ranch (N2587B)

Cimarron, NM, US

On July 6, 1986, a Piper PA-38 (registration N2587B) operated by Harry Abernathy was involved in an aviation accident near Cimarron, NM. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during low-level flight operations at high density altitude, resulting in a stall and collision with terrain. 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 2026-06-20Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot performing a checkout flight at high elevation buzzed the area before stalling into trees due to density altitude.

What happened

The pilot received a checkout in the aircraft prior to the accident and then flew to the Philmont Scout Ranch, which is located at approximately 9,000 feet mean sea level (MSL) elevation. Ground witnesses stated that the aircraft was buzzing the area and flew into an area of high terrain. The witnesses stated the aircraft stalled into the top of the trees. The density altitude was calculated to be 13,530 feet.

Findings

The density altitude was a critical factor in this incident, as the high elevation significantly reduced aircraft performance. The pilot's decision to operate in such conditions without adequate margin for error likely contributed to the stall.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during low-level flight operations at high density altitude, resulting in a stall and collision with terrain.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 6 Jul 1986 Piper PA-38 accident near Cimarron, NM?

A pilot performing a checkout flight at high elevation buzzed the area before stalling into trees due to density altitude.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 6 Jul 1986 involved a Piper PA-38, registration N2587B, operated by Harry Abernathy, at Cimarron, NM.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during low-level flight operations at high density altitude, resulting in a stall and collision with terrain.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X34151. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.