Accident Overview
On August 28, 2008, at approximately 0926 mountain daylight time, a Cessna 172A (registration N6539B) was substantially damaged during an attempted landing on Runway 22 at Double Eagle II Airport (KAEG) near Albuquerque, New Mexico. The pilot sustained minor injuries and the passenger was seriously injured. The personal cross-country flight originated from Tucson, Arizona, earlier that morning. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the Part 91 flight.
Witness Account
A witness conducting a run-up before takeoff reported observing the airplane in a shallow left turn heading approximately southwest at an estimated altitude of less than 50 feet above the ground. The witness noted that the engine was not audible but the propeller appeared to be rotating normally. As the airplane continued its turn southward to align with Runway 22, it dipped briefly below the visual horizon, then climbed back into view. Shortly thereafter, the right wing struck a pole on the approach lights at an estimated height of 10 to 20 feet above the ground. According to the witness, the wing then impacted the ground, causing the airplane to tumble several times before coming to rest about 100 feet short of the approach end of the runway. The witness alerted the airport via Unicom and proceeded to the accident site to provide assistance.
Inspection and Findings
An FAA inspector who traveled to the accident site reported that the 1961 model Cessna (serial number 172-47730) had accumulated 4,574 total flight hours since new. Flight and engine control continuity were confirmed. Neither fuel cell was compromised, and fuel was present in both cells. No anomalies were found with the engine or airframe that could have prevented normal flight operations.
Pilot and Passenger Information
The passenger, occupying the right front seat, was a rated pilot but had not flown for over eight years and was not current. He stated he was unaware that the pilot was not a rated pilot and was not involved in the planning or conduct of the flight. The passenger had no recollection of the accident sequence. Despite multiple attempts, the non-certificated pilot—who was also the airplane's owner—failed to return a completed NTSB Form 6120.1 to the investigator-in-charge. The pilot reported to the FAA inspector that the airplane was owned by his son and that he had accumulated 38 total flight hours on the accident airplane.
Weather Conditions
At the time of the accident, weather at the airport was reported as calm winds, visibility 10 statute miles, temperature 20 degrees Celsius, dew point 10 degrees Celsius, and an altimeter setting of 30.12 inches of Mercury. The airfield elevation was 5,837 feet. The investigator-in-charge calculated the density altitude to be 7,618 feet at the time of the landing.