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Casualties unknown

Pilot Diverts to Pasture, Strikes Fence and Noses Over After Weather Deterioration (N2LK)

Goldthwaite, TX, US

On December 2, 1994, a Piper PA-32-260 (registration N2LK) was involved in an aviation accident near Goldthwaite, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S ATTEMPTED FLIGHT INTO KNOWN ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS. FACTORS WERE THE UNSUITABLE TERRAIN, REDUCED VISIBILITY DUE FOG AND LOW CEILINGS, AND THE REDUCED LIGHT 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

While en route from Deming, NM to Waco, TX, a pilot diverted to Brownwood due to deteriorating weather. Unable to locate the airport, he landed in a pasture, where the airplane struck a barbed wire fence and nosed over into a creek.

Background

The pilot was en route from Deming, New Mexico, to Waco, Texas. Prior to departure from Deming, he had received a complete weather briefing. During the briefing, the briefer informed him that the weather along his proposed route of flight would be deteriorating.

Flight and Weather

While en route, the pilot encountered deteriorating weather. He elected to divert to Brownwood, Texas, which was his alternate airport. The pilot was unable to locate the alternate airport due to reduced visibility and the light conditions.

Landing Sequence

Unable to find the airport, the pilot decided to land in a cow pasture. During the landing roll, the airplane struck a barbed wire fence. The airplane then nosed over into a creek.

Weather

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2 Dec 1994 Piper PA-32-260 accident near Goldthwaite, TX?

While en route from Deming, NM to Waco, TX, a pilot diverted to Brownwood due to deteriorating weather. Unable to locate the airport, he landed in a pasture, where the airplane struck a barbed wire fence and nosed over into a creek.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2 Dec 1994 involved a Piper PA-32-260, registration N2LK, at Goldthwaite, TX.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S ATTEMPTED FLIGHT INTO KNOWN ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS. FACTORS WERE THE UNSUITABLE TERRAIN, REDUCED VISIBILITY DUE FOG AND LOW CEILINGS, AND THE REDUCED LIGHT CONDITIONS.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X02719. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.