Accident Overview
On June 25, 2024, at approximately 1339 mountain daylight time, a Grumman Aircraft-Schweizer G-164A, registration N9709, was destroyed when it impacted terrain near Chamberino, New Mexico. The pilot, operating under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight, sustained fatal injuries.
Flight Preparation
According to the operator and chief pilot, the accident pilot had recently completed a tailwheel endorsement. This flight was the pilot's first in the accident make and model airplane. The chief pilot instructed the accident pilot to take off, climb to "a couple thousand feet," and practice turns, climbs, and descents before returning to Dona Ana County International Jetport Airport (DNA) in Santa Teresa, New Mexico.
Departure and Witness Observation
The pilot departed DNA about 1330. A witness reported seeing the airplane flying approximately 600 feet above ground level, about 15 miles west of DNA. The witness, a former pilot and long-time resident, noted the engine sounded normal and not "bogged down."
Communications
During the flight, the chief pilot and accident pilot attempted radio communication but were unsuccessful. They instead exchanged text messages. About 10 minutes into the flight, the accident pilot texted that the airplane "shakes a little bit. I don't know if its normal." The chief pilot replied, "Yeah, it's just a lot of horsepower on the front of the plane." Shortly after, the chief pilot texted, "Are you okay?" and received no response. The chief pilot observed a plume of smoke in the area where the accident pilot was operating. He then boarded another airplane, flew toward the smoke, and located the wreckage.
Wreckage Examination
Examination of the accident site showed the airplane impacted sand-covered terrain and came to rest on a heading of about 020° magnetic. No visible ground scars were observed. The empennage sustained thermal damage but most primary structure was present. The fuselage, cockpit, and inboard portions of both upper and lower wings were mostly consumed by fire. Outboard wing sections were intact. The left lower wingtip lay about 50 feet west of the main wreckage. All major structural components were accounted for at the accident site.
The wreckage was recovered to a secure location for further examination.