FlightFinder
Check my flight
Casualties unknown

Private Pilot and CFI Experience Landing Incident During Fuel Stop (N891GP)

Las Cruces, NM, US

On October 12, 2003, a Piper PA-28-140 (registration N891GP) was involved in an aviation accident near Las Cruces, NM. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the CFI's failure to maintain aircraft control during a go-around resulting in an inadvertent stall/mush and impact with terrain. 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 landing flare, a wind gust caused left drift. The airplane veered left on touchdown, and a go-around attempt led to a collision with a dirt berm after striking sagebrush.

Flight Details

A certified flight instructor (CFI) and a private pilot were conducting a flight that included a fuel stop. The private pilot was flying from the left seat and attempted to land on runway 08.

Sequence of Events

During the landing flare, a wind gust caused the airplane to drift left of the runway centerline. The private pilot corrected the left drift, pulled the throttle, and continued with the landing. According to the CFI, upon touchdown the airplane "immediately veered hard to the left about a 60 degree angle." The CFI then added power and initiated a go-around.

During the attempted go-around, the private pilot pulled the throttle a second time. The CFI stated that he then "took control of the airplane and put the power back in for a go-around." He managed to get the airplane airborne but was not attempting to correct for the drift because they were too "low and slow."

As the airplane approached the end of the runway, it began to mush and the right main landing gear struck a patch of sagebrush. The airplane then struck the ground, bounced a few feet, and impacted a dirt berm.

Aftermath

The CFI reported the sequence of events. No further details were provided regarding injuries, aircraft damage, or subsequent actions.

Aerodynamic stall

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 12 Oct 2003 Piper PA-28-140 accident near Las Cruces, NM?

During a landing flare, a wind gust caused left drift. The airplane veered left on touchdown, and a go-around attempt led to a collision with a dirt berm after striking sagebrush.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 12 Oct 2003 involved a Piper PA-28-140, registration N891GP, at Las Cruces, NM.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the CFI's failure to maintain aircraft control during a go-around resulting in an inadvertent stall/mush and impact with terrain. Contributing factors include the CFI's inadequate supervision, the private pilot's delayed relinquishing of control, and the inadvertent stall/mush.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20031017X01764. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.