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Casualties unknown

Night Departure by Pilot Without Night Flying Experience Ends in Crash (N6115W)

Roswell, NM, US

On March 6, 1987, a Cessna P210N (registration N6115W) was involved in an aviation accident near Roswell, 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

A pilot who had never flown at night and was exhausted from business meetings departed Albuquerque at 1756 for Roswell. He contacted Roswell tower at 1844 but never arrived. Wreckage found two days later with a 695-ft ground scar. No carbon monoxide found. Night VMC conditions prevailed.

Background

The pilot, who had never flown at night and had told relatives he was exhausted after all-day business meetings, departed Albuquerque, New Mexico at 1756 en route to Roswell, New Mexico.

Departure and Communication

The pilot contacted Roswell Tower at 1844 but never arrived at the destination.

Wreckage

The wreckage was located two days later. A ground scar measuring 695 feet in length was found. There was no evidence of fire along the ground scar, although the aircraft was consumed by ground fire. Measurements of propeller slash marks indicated the aircraft impacted the ground at a speed of 130.4 to 133.1 knots.

Toxicology

Toxicology reports revealed no carbon monoxide was present in the specimen.

Conditions

Night visual meteorological conditions (VMC) prevailed at the time of the crash.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 6 Mar 1987 Cessna P210N accident near Roswell, NM?

A pilot who had never flown at night and was exhausted from business meetings departed Albuquerque at 1756 for Roswell. He contacted Roswell tower at 1844 but never arrived. Wreckage found two days later with a 695-ft ground scar. No carbon monoxide found. Night VMC conditions prevailed.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 6 Mar 1987 involved a Cessna P210N, registration N6115W, at Roswell, NM.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X30417. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.