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Aircraft Destroyed in Runway Excursion After High-Density-Altitude Landing (N9304Y)

Los Alamos, NM, US

On June 23, 2000, a Beech M35 (registration N9304Y) was involved in an aviation accident near Los Alamos, NM. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's misjudgment of distance/speed resulting in an overrun and subsequent collision with a blast fence. Contributing factors were high density altitude, a tailwind, and the blast fence. 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 a flight review, a private pilot and flight instructor performed a full-stop landing with a tailwind at a high-altitude airport, resulting in a long landing, runway excursion, and collision with a blast fence. The aircraft was destroyed, but both occupants were uninjured.

Incident Overview

A private pilot and a flight instructor check pilot were completing a flight review at an airport where the aircraft was based. The airport elevation was 7,171 feet above mean sea level (msl), with a temperature of 72 degrees Fahrenheit. The computed density altitude was 9,300 feet, and the wind included a 4-knot tailwind component.

Landing and Runway Excursion

During the full-stop landing, the pilot described the landing as "long and fast." The ground speed was calculated to be 31 knots above the indicated airspeed due to the tailwind. The aircraft subsequently departed the end of the runway during the landing roll and struck a blast fence.

Damage and Occupant Status

The collision destroyed the aircraft. However, the private pilot and the flight instructor check pilot were not injured.

Environmental Factors

No information was provided regarding the time of day, visibility, or other weather conditions beyond the temperature, wind, and density altitude. The airport's high elevation and the tailwind contributed to the increased ground speed and landing distance.

Runway excursion

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 23 Jun 2000 Beech M35 accident near Los Alamos, NM?

During a flight review, a private pilot and flight instructor performed a full-stop landing with a tailwind at a high-altitude airport, resulting in a long landing, runway excursion, and collision with a blast fence. The aircraft was destroyed, but both occupants were uninjured.

Were there any fatalities in the 23 Jun 2000 Beech M35 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 23 Jun 2000 involved a Beech M35, registration N9304Y, at Los Alamos, NM.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's misjudgment of distance/speed resulting in an overrun and subsequent collision with a blast fence. Contributing factors were high density altitude, a tailwind, and the blast fence.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X21215. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.