Casualties unknown

Forced Landing After Wind Shift During Approach (N7256P)

Carlsbad, NM, US

On April 28, 1996, a Piper PA-24-180 (registration N7256P) was involved in an aviation accident near Carlsbad, NM. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions. Factors relating to the accident were: the sudden windshift and/or windshear. 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

A pilot executed a forced landing in an open area after encountering a wind shift on left downwind for runway 03; the aircraft was damaged.

Event Overview

A pilot completed a cross-country flight and entered a left downwind for landing on runway 03. During the approach, a wind shift occurred, and the aircraft began to descend.

Go-Around and Descent

The pilot initiated go-around procedures, but the aircraft continued to lose altitude. Despite the application of full power and nose-up attitude, the descent could not be arrested.

Forced Landing

Recognizing the unavoidable collision with terrain, the pilot executed a forced landing in an open area. The aircraft sustained damage during the landing.

Wind Conditions

Weather reports indicated wind from 340 degrees at 8 knots. However, the pilot reported that the wind was gusting from the north to 15 knots at the time of the event.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X05572. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.