On July 25, 1998, a Cessna 182P (registration N58870) was involved in an aviation accident near Jal, NM. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed. Contributing factors were high density altitude and excessive airplane weight. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A witness reported an aircraft executing a left turn that ended in a flat belly landing followed by a fire. The plane was slightly overweight but within center of gravity limits at the time.
What happened
An eyewitness observed the aircraft initiating a left turn. Before the maneuver could be completed, the airplane descended rapidly and landed on its fuselage, described by the witness as flattening out like a pancake. Following the impact, the aircraft burst into flames.
The investigation
Post-accident calculations determined that the density altitude at the time of the event was 5,538 feet mean sea level. Weight and balance analysis indicated that the airplane was slightly overweight during the accident sequence, although its center of gravity remained within approved operational limits.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 25 Jul 1998 Cessna 182P accident near Jal, NM?
A witness reported an aircraft executing a left turn that ended in a flat belly landing followed by a fire. The plane was slightly overweight but within center of gravity limits at the time.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 25 Jul 1998 involved a Cessna 182P, registration N58870, at Jal, NM.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed. Contributing factors were high density altitude and excessive airplane weight.
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