Accident Sequence
On March 6, 2026, at about 1136 mountain standard time, a Columbia Aircraft LC41-550FG, registration N2516S, was substantially damaged in an accident in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The airplane was operating under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight on an instrument flight rules flight plan from Wichita Dwight D Eisenhower National Airport (ICT), Wichita, Kansas, to Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ).
According to preliminary ADS-B data from the FAA, the pilot departed ICT at about 0922 central standard time and flew west, climbing to a maximum cruise altitude of about 12,000 ft mean sea level. At 1127 MST, the airplane turned left to the south and began descending toward ABQ. At 1132, the pilot reported to air traffic control that he was losing power and subsequently declared an emergency while about 5 miles north-northeast from the departure end of the runway. The pilot's last transmission was captured at 1138, advising the controller that he was looking for an area to initiate an emergency landing.
Wreckage and Impact
A security camera showed the airplane impact a large tree at a level attitude on a golf course about 3.3 nautical miles northeast of ABQ. Multiple broken branches were found at the base of the tree, which was identified as the first point of contact (FIPC). After the airplane came to rest, witnesses confirmed the pilot was in the left seat and the passenger in the right seat. All major components were located within the debris field, which was about 390 ft long on a heading of about 197° magnetic. The first ground scar was about 200 ft south of the FIPC. Multiple ground scars extended forward from the FIPC, consistent with impact from the right wing's leading edge. Three propeller strikes and a large ground scar consistent with engine impact were found about 253 ft and 257 ft from the FIPC, respectively. The airplane came to rest at an elevation of 5,416 ft msl on a magnetic heading of 090°, about 347 ft from the FIPC.
Postaccident Examination
Postaccident examination confirmed flight control continuity from the cockpit side stick controls to each respective flight control surface, with fractures in the elevator and aileron push/pull rods. The rudder control cables remained intact from the cockpit rudder pedals to the rudder bellcrank. Fluid consistent in appearance and odor with 100LL aviation grade gasoline was collected from multiple locations and retained. The wreckage was recovered to a secure facility for further examination.