On March 16, 1994, a Cessna 172RG (registration N4663V) operated by Bloom, Raymond S. was involved in an aviation accident near Dulce, NM. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Aircraft performance limits prevented the aircraft from outclimbing the terrain. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A four-occupant aircraft impacted terrain about 2 miles after departing from an en route stop, resulting in a fire. Two occupants were initially able to exit and walk to the airport, but both later died at medical facilities. The other two occupants died at the scene. Performance limits prevented the aircraft from outclimbing the terrain.
Accident Details
During an en route stop, the four occupants of the aircraft conducted some business before departing to the southeast into a climbing terrain environment. Approximately 2 miles from the departure end of the runway, the aircraft impacted the rising terrain and subsequently burned.
Occupant Survival and Injuries
Following the accident, two of the occupants exited the aircraft and walked back towards the departure airport. They were picked up by local law enforcement personnel and transported to medical facilities, where both later expired. The other two occupants died in the accident. All deaths were attributed to thermal injuries.
Aircraft and System Examination
No evidence was found of aircraft or system failure or malfunction. The investigation determined that aircraft performance limits prevented the aircraft from outclimbing the terrain.
Probable cause
Aircraft performance limits prevented the aircraft from outclimbing the terrain.