What happened
On September 6, 2025, at approximately 19:25 mountain daylight time, a Piper PA-23-160, registration N4085P, was involved in an accident near Santa Teresa, New Mexico. The flight was being operated under 14 CFR Part 91 for personal use.
Prior to takeoff, the pilot completed performance planning while the aircraft was being refueled. After starting both engines, the pilot taxied to the runup area and conducted engine runup and magneto drop checks, which revealed no abnormalities. The pilot then taxied onto runway 10 from taxiway A4.
During the takeoff roll, the pilot rotated at approximately 87 knots and 1,600 feet into the roll. Upon liftoff, the aircraft yawed to the left and failed to climb. In an attempt to maintain control, the pilot retracted the landing gear, lowered the nose to increase airspeed, and applied right rudder. The pilot noted a decrease in engine noise, which was assumed to be the left engine due to the observed left yaw and sideslip. While attempting to maintain the runway centerline at an indicated airspeed between 90 and 100 knots, the aircraft drifted left over the runway safety area and impacted the terrain.
The accident resulted in one serious injury to the pilot. The aircraft sustained substantial damage to both wings.