Casualties unknown

Private Pilot Executes Emergency Landing in Rocks and Trees After Loss of Control During Low-Altitude Turn (N4026Z)

Tucumcari, NM, US

On October 30, 1988, a Piper PA-18-150 (registration N4026Z) was involved in an aviation accident near Tucumcari, 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A private pilot flying a friend over a ranch to search for cows experienced a loss of aileron control during a low-altitude turn, resulting in an emergency landing in rocks and short trees.

Incident Overview

A private pilot was operating an aircraft over a ranch with a friend on board, searching for cows. During the flight, the pilot initiated a 40-degree left banked turn at an altitude of 300 feet above ground level (AGL), while at full power and an airspeed of 70 knots. The pilot reported that the aircraft initially did not respond to aileron control inputs and speculated that the aircraft may have stalled. The aircraft was not equipped with a stall warning device.

Sequence of Events

As the aircraft lost altitude, the pilot observed a 60-foot bluff directly in the flight path. The pilot managed to level the aircraft at 20 feet AGL and proceeded to land straight ahead in terrain consisting of rocks and short trees. The aircraft came to rest approximately 100 feet from the initial point of impact.

Findings

No further details regarding the aircraft type, registration, engine count, date, operator, location, number of occupants, injuries, damage items, time of day, weather conditions, or ATC involvement were provided in the source. The pilot's statement that the aircraft may have stalled was noted, but no official determination of cause was given.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X27047. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.