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Casualties unknown

Pilot's VFR Flight Ends in Accident in Low Visibility Conditions (N23459)

Clines Corners, NM, US

On August 3, 1993, a Cessna 172M (registration N23459) was involved in an aviation accident near Clines Corners, NM. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN A SAFE AND PROPER ALTITUDE. FACTORS WERE THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO OBTAIN A PREFLIGHT WEATHER BRIEFING, DARK NIGHT CONDITION, AND WEATHER CONDITIONS THAT INCLUDED OBSCURATION, FOG, AND DRIZZLE. 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 departed at 0400 for a VFR flight to Arkansas with a stop in Amarillo. Radar tracked the aircraft until it disappeared at 0521. Wreckage was found at 0730 in heavy fog with 1/4-mile visibility.

Factual Account

The pilot left his home at 0400 with the intention of flying to Arkansas, planning an en route stop at Amarillo, Texas. Radar data showed a VFR target in the vicinity of the departure airport at 0505 at an altitude of 9,500 feet. The target was tracked to the vicinity of the accident site when, at 0521 and at an altitude of 8,200 feet, it disappeared from radar. A rancher discovered the wreckage at 0730.

Weather Conditions

The rancher reported to state police that at the time of the discovery, it was still dark and there was a heavy fog with a light mist or drizzle falling. Visibility was about 1/4 mile, and these conditions had been present for several hours.

Pilot Background

The pilot was instrument rated, but there is no record of his obtaining a weather briefing or filing a flight plan prior to departure.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 3 Aug 1993 Cessna 172M accident near Clines Corners, NM?

A pilot departed at 0400 for a VFR flight to Arkansas with a stop in Amarillo. Radar tracked the aircraft until it disappeared at 0521. Wreckage was found at 0730 in heavy fog with 1/4-mile visibility.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 3 Aug 1993 involved a Cessna 172M, registration N23459, at Clines Corners, NM.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN A SAFE AND PROPER ALTITUDE. FACTORS WERE THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO OBTAIN A PREFLIGHT WEATHER BRIEFING, DARK NIGHT CONDITION, AND WEATHER CONDITIONS THAT INCLUDED OBSCURATION, FOG, AND DRIZZLE.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X13128. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.