Accident Details
On September 16, 2025, at approximately 1132 mountain daylight time, a Bellanca 17-30A (registration N432DM) was substantially damaged in an accident near Moriarty, New Mexico. The aircraft, operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 instructional flight, was being flown by a pilot who had purchased the airplane about two months earlier. The pilot was receiving instruction from a flight instructor to familiarize himself with the aircraft. During the accident, the pilot receiving instruction sustained fatal injuries, while the flight instructor received serious injuries.
Flight History
ADS-B data indicate that the airplane departed Sandia Airpark Estates East Airport (1N1) in Edgewood, New Mexico, at about 1035. The aircraft executed several traffic patterns at 1N1 before leaving the pattern and flying approximately 20 miles north of the airport. It then turned south toward Moriarty Municipal Airport (0E0). The airplane performed one visual approach to runway 26 at 0E0. Following the approach, the aircraft continued on runway heading for about 2 miles before initiating a left descending turn. The data show that the airplane completed a 180° left turn and descended to an altitude of about 50–100 feet above ground level (agl). It remained between 50 and 100 feet agl on an easterly heading for roughly 1 mile before striking a powerline and then the terrain.
Postaccident Examination
Examination of the accident site revealed that the airplane came to rest on the west edge of an open field, approximately 300 feet from the initial impact point with the powerlines, which were about 40 feet in height. All flight control surfaces were identified at the site, and continuity was verified from the cockpit to each control surface. The left wing exhibited leading edge damage and buckling. The wreckage was retained for further examination.
Probable Cause
The source document does not state a probable cause for this accident.