Casualties unknown

Aircraft Wreckage Located 57 Miles West of Pecos, Texas Following Missed Arrival (N8112P)

Van Horn, TX, US

On December 27, 1994, a Piper PA-24-250 (registration N8112P) was involved in an aviation accident near Van Horn, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain proper altitude. Factors were reduced light conditions, clouds, and the pilot's premature descent. 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

An aircraft en route to Pecos, Texas, failed to arrive after contacting the FBO. Wreckage was discovered the next morning via ELT signal in hilly terrain 57 miles west of the airport.

Incident Sequence

After transiting El Paso, Texas, Class C airspace at an altitude of 6,500 feet MSL, the pilot contacted the fixed-base operator (FBO) at Pecos, Texas. The pilot reported being "20 minutes out" and requested that the FBO remain open to accommodate a fuel purchase upon landing. The aircraft did not arrive as scheduled.

Wreckage Discovery

The wreckage was located the following morning by the aircraft's emergency locator transmitter (ELT) signal. The site was situated in hilly terrain at an elevation of 5,700 feet MSL, approximately 57 miles west of Pecos. The Pecos Municipal Airport elevation is 2,617 feet MSL.

Environmental Conditions

At the approximate time of the event, darkness was approaching. Weather satellite imagery indicated some cloud cover in the vicinity during the period of the occurrence.

Investigation

The investigation is ongoing. No further details regarding the aircraft, occupants, or specific circumstances have been released at this time.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X02714. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.