Accident Overview
On November 26, 2025, at approximately 1145 mountain standard time, an American Aviation AA-1A airplane, registration N9439L, was destroyed when it crashed near Alamogordo, New Mexico. The pilot and passenger sustained fatal injuries. The aircraft was operated under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight.
Pilot and Flight History
The pilot had recently purchased the airplane and had received his private pilot certificate about one month prior to the accident. On November 24, 2025, he began a long cross-country flight, departing Palm Beach County Park Airport (LNA) in Palm Springs, Florida, around 1310. He made several stops, ultimately landing at DeFuniak Springs Airport (54J) in DeFuniak Springs, Florida, at about 1843. On November 25, he departed 54J at about 0921, visited multiple destinations, and landed at Cavern City Air Terminal (CNM) in Carlsbad, New Mexico, at approximately 2238.
Accident Flight and Discovery
On the morning of November 26, the airplane departed CNM at about 0702 and landed at Alamogordo-White Sands Regional Airport (ALM) in Alamogordo, New Mexico, around 0803. At about 1132, the airplane departed ALM. When it did not return, a concerned family member alerted authorities. The FAA issued an Alert Notice (ALNOT) for the missing aircraft. The wreckage was located the next morning by New Mexico State Police approximately 7 miles east of ALM.
Wreckage and Terrain
Preliminary flight track data was unavailable for the accident flight. The airplane came to rest on an ascending mountainous slope at an elevation of about 6,300 feet mean sea level, on a heading of 150° magnetic. The rocky terrain consisted of downed trees, tree limbs, and loosely spaced pine trees approximately 75 feet in height. The first identified point of impact was the top of a tree, with several other severed tree branches. All major components of the airplane were contained within the accident site. Most of the wreckage was consumed by a post-impact fire. The airplane was recovered to a secure facility for future examination.