No fatalities

Aircraft Departs Runway During Final Landing (N88352)

Las Vegas, NM, US

On March 29, 2001, a Bellanca 8GCBC (registration N88352) was involved in an aviation accident near Las Vegas, NM. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing roll. Factors were weather evaluation by the pilot and rough terrain off the side of the runway. 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 2026-06-21Data APIEditorial standards

During a final approach from a local flight, the pilot landed on runway 20 with a light tailwind. The aircraft veered off the left side into rough terrain, resulting in significant structural damage.

What happened

The pilot was operating an aircraft as part of a local flight pattern, conducting what would be his final landing of the sortie. Upon approaching the airport, the pilot aligned with runway 20 for touchdown. At the time of landing, there was a right quartering tailwind estimated at approximately 6 knots.

During the ground roll after touchdown, the aircraft failed to remain on the paved surface. It departed from the left side of the runway and entered adjacent rough terrain. The impact with the uneven ground caused substantial structural failure. The landing gear assembly was sheared off completely, and the left wing sustained buckling damage.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 29 Mar 2001 Bellanca 8GCBC accident near Las Vegas, NM?

During a final approach from a local flight, the pilot landed on runway 20 with a light tailwind. The aircraft veered off the left side into rough terrain, resulting in significant structural damage.

Were there any fatalities in the 29 Mar 2001 Bellanca 8GCBC accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 29 Mar 2001 involved a Bellanca 8GCBC, registration N88352, at Las Vegas, NM.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing roll. Factors were weather evaluation by the pilot and rough terrain off the side of the runway.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20010330X00685. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.