What happened
On September 16, 2025, at approximately 11:32 mountain daylight time, a Bellanca 17-30A, registration N432DM, was involved in an accident near Moriarty, New Mexico. The aircraft was being operated under Part 91 regulations for instructional purposes. The pilot receiving instruction sustained 1 fatal injury, while the flight instructor sustained 1 serious injury.
The pilot had owned the aircraft for approximately two months and was conducting a flight with an instructor to gain familiarity with the airplane. According to ADS-B data, the aircraft departed Sandia Airpark Estates East Airport (1N1) in Edgewood, New Mexico, at approximately 10:35. After performing several traffic patterns at 1N1, the aircraft flew approximately 20 miles north of the airport before turning south toward Moriarty Municipal Airport (0E0).
Following a visual approach to runway 26 at 0E0, the aircraft continued on a runway heading for about 2 miles before initiating a left descending turn. The aircraft performed a 180-degree left turn and descended to an altitude between 50 and 100 feet above ground level. While maintaining an easterly heading at this low altitude for approximately 1 mile, the aircraft impacted a powerline and terrain.
The investigation
Post-accident examination of the site showed the aircraft came to rest on the west edge of an open field, roughly 300 feet from the impact point with the powerlines, which were approximately 40 feet in height. Investigators identified all flight control surfaces at the site and verified flight control continuity from the cockpit to all surfaces. The left wing showed buckling and damage to the leading edge. The wreckage was retained for further examination.