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9 fatalities

Nine Killed in Crash Near Albuquerque Airport Following Engine Failure (N841NS)

Albuquerque-Sunport, United States of AmericaTakeoff (climb)

On May 19, 1972, a Beechcraft 80 Queen Air (registration N841NS) operated by Ross Aviation - USA was involved in an aviation accident near Albuquerque-Sunport, United States of America during takeoff. 9 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Engine failure or malfunction during initial climb and uncontrolled descent. The following factors were reported: - Inadequate preflight preparation, - Inadequate maintenance and inspection, - Deficiency of company maintained equipment, services and… This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary report: the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive (1962-1981)Updated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft crashed near Albuquerque Airport after the pilot declared an emergency during initial climb. The plane lost control and dove into a field, killing all nine occupants. Engine failure and multiple factors were cited.

Accident Details

Shortly after takeoff from Albuquerque Airport, while in initial climb, the pilot declared an emergency and was cleared to return when control was lost. The airplane dove into the ground and crashed in flames in a field near the airport. The aircraft was totally destroyed and all nine occupants were killed.

Investigation

The official investigation determined the probable cause to be engine failure or malfunction during initial climb and uncontrolled descent. The following factors were reported:

  • Inadequate preflight preparation
  • Inadequate maintenance and inspection
  • Deficiency of company maintained equipment, services, and regulation by operational supervisory personnel
  • Left front cargo door improperly secured
  • Blade failure due to foreign object damage
  • Suspected or known aircraft damage
  • Forward cargo door not secured, which opened in flight and damaged the left propeller, causing additional drag
  • Door unsafe system inoperative

These findings highlight multiple issues that contributed to the sequence of events leading to the loss of control and subsequent crash.

Engine failureMaintenance error

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 19 May 1972 Beechcraft 80 Queen Air accident near Albuquerque-Sunport, United States of America?

An aircraft crashed near Albuquerque Airport after the pilot declared an emergency during initial climb. The plane lost control and dove into a field, killing all nine occupants. Engine failure and multiple factors were cited.

Were there any fatalities in the 19 May 1972 Beechcraft 80 Queen Air accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 9 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 19 May 1972 involved a Beechcraft 80 Queen Air, registration N841NS, operated by Ross Aviation - USA, at Albuquerque-Sunport, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Engine failure or malfunction during initial climb and uncontrolled descent. The following factors were reported: - Inadequate preflight preparation, - Inadequate maintenance and inspection, - Deficiency of company maintained equipment, services and regulation by operational supervisory personnel, - Left front cargo…

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