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Casualties unknown

Pilot Confuses Runways, Collides with Terrain After Avoiding Another Aircraft (N9474L)

Las Cruces, NM, US

On June 10, 2004, a Cessna C172P (registration N9474L) was involved in an aviation accident near Las Cruces, NM. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to maintain clearance from terrain and the improper go-around procedure. Contributing factors include the pilot's diverted attention, improper in-flight planning and decision making, pilot fatigue, the night conditions and the mesquite… 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

After a low voltage light indication, a pilot returned to land but misidentified the runway. Another pilot took off based on the incorrect radio call, leading to a collision with terrain during an evasive maneuver.

Incident Sequence

Shortly after takeoff, the low voltage light illuminated in the cockpit. The pilot decided to return to land. While communicating on the Unicom frequency, the pilot reported turning "base to final for runway 26," but was actually positioning for runway 22. A pilot of another aircraft heard this transmission and subsequently elected to take off on runway 22.

While approaching to land, the accident pilot sighted the other aircraft on the runway. To maintain spacing, he executed a 360-degree turn. During this maneuver, the airplane struck large mesquite bushes and was destroyed upon impact with terrain.

Pilot Background

Prior to the flight, the pilot had performed three takeoffs and landings to a full stop to renew night flight currency for carrying passengers. His most recent night flight had occurred on September 1, 2003. According to the pilot, he had logged 6.9 hours of flight time on the day of the accident.

Aircraft Damage

The airplane was destroyed during the collision with terrain.

Controlled flight into terrain

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 10 Jun 2004 Cessna C172P accident near Las Cruces, NM?

After a low voltage light indication, a pilot returned to land but misidentified the runway. Another pilot took off based on the incorrect radio call, leading to a collision with terrain during an evasive maneuver.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 10 Jun 2004 involved a Cessna C172P, registration N9474L, at Las Cruces, NM.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot's failure to maintain clearance from terrain and the improper go-around procedure. Contributing factors include the pilot's diverted attention, improper in-flight planning and decision making, pilot fatigue, the night conditions and the mesquite bushes.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20040615X00790. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.