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Casualties unknown

Aerial Observation Aircraft Found After Impact with Mountainous Terrain (N54378)

Deming, NM, US

On November 18, 1994, a Cessna 172P (registration N54378) was involved in an aviation accident near Deming, NM. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN SUFFICIENT ALTITUDE AND CLEARANCE IN MOUTAINOUS TERRAIN. FACTORS WERE RISING TERRAIN AND GUSTY, HIGH WIND CONDITIONS. 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

An aircraft on an aerial observation flight was located overdue in rugged, steep terrain. Winds were gusty at 30-35 knots. The aircraft impacted a 20-degree slope at 45 degrees nose-down, with no structural or mechanical defects found.

Incident Overview

An aircraft conducting an aerial observation flight to survey hunting areas in mountainous terrain was reported overdue. The wreckage was subsequently located in steeply rising, rugged terrain.

Wind Conditions

At the departure airfield, reported winds were not significant. However, a Bureau of Land Management (BLM) ranger observed wind conditions in the mountain area where the aircraft was operating as 'gusty winds of 30 to 35 knots.'

Impact Details

The aircraft impacted rising terrain with a 20-degree slope on a measured heading of 350 degrees magnetic. The impact attitude was 45 degrees nose-down relative to the terrain.

Examination Findings

Examination of the airframe and engine did not disclose any structural failures or mechanical defects.

Controlled flight into terrain

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 18 Nov 1994 Cessna 172P accident near Deming, NM?

An aircraft on an aerial observation flight was located overdue in rugged, steep terrain. Winds were gusty at 30-35 knots. The aircraft impacted a 20-degree slope at 45 degrees nose-down, with no structural or mechanical defects found.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 18 Nov 1994 involved a Cessna 172P, registration N54378, at Deming, NM.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN SUFFICIENT ALTITUDE AND CLEARANCE IN MOUTAINOUS TERRAIN. FACTORS WERE RISING TERRAIN AND GUSTY, HIGH WIND CONDITIONS.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X02588. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.