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Aircraft Exceeds Gross Weight and Strikes Ditch During Takeoff at Private Airport (N3032R)

Mimbres, NM, US

On June 26, 1995, a Piper PA-28R-200 (registration N3032R) operated by Bartelett Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Mimbres, NM. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT PLANNING AND THE SELECTION OF UNSUITABLE TERRAIN FOR TAKEOFF BY THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND. 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

During an unplanned stop on a VFR cross-country flight, the pilot took off from a grass area beside the runway and struck a ditch. The aircraft was 216 pounds over allowable gross weight for the runway, with density altitude near 9,300 feet.

Incident Overview

While on a VFR cross-country flight, the pilot made an unplanned stop at a private airport so a passenger could use facilities. The runway surface consisted of hard packed dirt bordered by grass and also served as the community golf course. During the takeoff roll, the pilot used the grass area beside the runway and struck a ditch.

Flight Details

The airport elevation was 5,888 feet MSL, and the temperature was 90 degrees Fahrenheit, resulting in a density altitude of approximately 9,300 feet. According to calculations performed following the accident, the aircraft was 216 pounds over allowable gross weight for the runway used due to field length limits.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 26 Jun 1995 Piper PA-28R-200 accident near Mimbres, NM?

During an unplanned stop on a VFR cross-country flight, the pilot took off from a grass area beside the runway and struck a ditch. The aircraft was 216 pounds over allowable gross weight for the runway, with density altitude near 9,300 feet.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 26 Jun 1995 involved a Piper PA-28R-200, registration N3032R, operated by Bartelett Aviation, at Mimbres, NM.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT PLANNING AND THE SELECTION OF UNSUITABLE TERRAIN FOR TAKEOFF BY THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001207X03718. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.