Accident Overview
On April 9, 2022, about 1200 mountain daylight time, a Taylorcraft BL-65, N24345, was substantially damaged when it crashed near Counselor, New Mexico. The airline transport pilot was fatally injured, and the flight instructor sustained serious injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.
Background
The airline transport pilot had just purchased the airplane. Two days before the accident, the pilot and a flight instructor recommended by the previous owner completed an instructional flight. The previous owner recommended that the flight instructor ferry the airplane with the new owner and referred the new owner to an insurance broker. The insurance policy included both the new owner and the instructor, with specific requirements for whoever was flying. The policy writer was unaware that the new owner did not have a current medical certificate; the policy stated the new owner could not be pilot in command (PIC).
A family member reported a verbal agreement: the flight instructor would ferry the airplane back to Texas and provide instruction for $250 per day plus expenses and an airline ticket back to Wyoming. The new owner stated that the flight instructor was aware of his role. The new owner hired the instructor because he lacked a current medical and could not be pilot in command.
The flight instructor reported he could not recall details after departure from Farmington, New Mexico. He stated he was hired as a passenger, not PIC, and had no input in flight planning or flying responsibilities. He had only instructed the new pilot before the cross-country trip and signed him off with a tail-wheel endorsement. He was unaware the new owner lacked a current medical.
Flight History
Witnesses reported the pilot and instructor departed Afton Municipal Airport (AFO) in Afton, Wyoming, on April 8, completing four legs toward Texas. At a stop at Rangely Airport (AV0) in Rangely, Colorado, the instructor told a local pilot the airplane struggled to climb above 8,000 ft during the day and asked for advice on obstacles in New Mexico. The local pilot suggested a route.
The next day, the pilot and instructor departed CEZ (likely referring to Cortez Municipal Airport, Colorado, though not explicitly stated in source) and flew to Farmington, New Mexico, where they refueled before departing on the accident flight.
Accident Sequence
A witness near the accident site observed the airplane maneuvering at low altitude toward a ridgeline to the southwest. The airplane then made a left turn to the north, away from the ridgeline, toward a dirt road running northwest to southeast lined with powerlines. The witness saw the airplane descend and impact terrain short of the road and power lines. The airplane nosed over, sustaining substantial damage to the wings. The witness reported gusty winds from the southwest over the ridgeline and that the engine was running.
The wreckage was located about 53 nautical miles southeast of Farmington, New Mexico, about 5 nm south of Counselor, and about 68 nm northwest of their next intended destination, Double Eagle II Airport in Albuquerque. The airplane came to rest inverted on a dirt field with sage brush at an elevation of about 7,100 ft msl, on a heading of 360° magnetic. Substantial damage was noted to the wings, lift struts, and fuselage; all major components were present.
Examination
No evidence of mechanical malfunctions or anomalies was found with the airplane or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
Weather and Density Altitude
Farmington (FMN) elevation is 5,507 ft. Before departure, the ASOS reported wind 160° at 6 knots, visibility 10 sm, clear skies, temperature 19°C, dewpoint -11°C, altimeter 29.95 inHg, density altitude 7,226 ft. At accident time, ASOS reported wind 310° at 7 knots, visibility 10 sm, clear, temperature 22°C, dewpoint -11°C, altimeter 29.90 inHg, density altitude 7,726 ft.
The accident site elevation was about 7,100 ft. Reported weather at Counselor included wind from 158° at 6 knots, temperature 20°C, dewpoint -11°C. Calculated density altitude at the site was 9,897 ft.
Pilot Medical and Toxicology
The pilot’s autopsy, performed by the Office of the Medical Investigator in Albuquerque, New Mexico, determined the cause of death as multiple blunt force injuries, manner accidental. Toxicological tests by the FAA Forensic Sciences Laboratory detected no ethanol or drugs.