FlightFinder
Check my flight
Casualties unknown

Airplane Accident Following Climbing Circuits and Terrain Encounter (N2526L)

Angel Fire, NM, US

On June 26, 2000, a Cessna 172H (registration N2526L) was involved in an aviation accident near Angel Fire, NM. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's improper inflight decision to prematurely attempt a climb towards rising terrain before sufficient altitude had been attained that would assure adequate obstacle clearance. Factors were high density altitude and trees. 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

An airplane took off, completed two climbing circuits, then proceeded south toward rising terrain. A lineman observed difficulty gaining altitude. A witness reported the airplane clipped trees, spun, struck a roadway, and caught fire. Density altitude was high.

Accident Sequence

The airplane took off and made two complete climbing circuits of the airport before proceeding south towards rising terrain. According to a lineman, the airplane appeared to be having trouble gaining altitude. The lineman watched as the airplane disappeared behind trees south of town near a golf course.

Witness Accounts

A witness reported that the airplane came over his house at low altitude, clipped trees, spun around, hit the roadway, and caught fire. The witness observed the sequence from his house.

Accident Site and Conditions

The accident site was located 4.2 miles south of the airport. The elevation difference between the accident site and the airport was 353 feet. Density altitude was calculated at 11,197 feet msl. The airplane weighed an estimated 1,987 pounds.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 26 Jun 2000 Cessna 172H accident near Angel Fire, NM?

An airplane took off, completed two climbing circuits, then proceeded south toward rising terrain. A lineman observed difficulty gaining altitude. A witness reported the airplane clipped trees, spun, struck a roadway, and caught fire. Density altitude was high.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 26 Jun 2000 involved a Cessna 172H, registration N2526L, at Angel Fire, NM.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's improper inflight decision to prematurely attempt a climb towards rising terrain before sufficient altitude had been attained that would assure adequate obstacle clearance. Factors were high density altitude and trees.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X21201. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.