1 fatality

Engine Failure Leads to Crash Near Lamesa; Pilot Killed (N177V)

Lamesa, United States of AmericaFlight

On May 26, 1975, a Beechcraft D18 (registration N177V) operated by Private United States of America was involved in an aviation accident near Lamesa, United States of America in flight. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Failure of the right engine after the master and connecting rods failed in flight, with contributing factors: material failure, failure to maintain directional control, and right engine failed internally. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

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

A pilot flying from Rockyford, Colorado, lost control after a right engine failure and crashed in a sandy area near Lamesa. The aircraft was destroyed by fire and the pilot was killed.

Accident Overview

A pilot, who was the sole occupant of the aircraft, was completing a flight from Rockyford, Colorado. During the en route phase, the right engine experienced a failure. This forced the pilot to attempt an emergency landing, but control of the airplane was lost, resulting in a crash in a sandy area near Lamesa. The aircraft was destroyed by fire and the pilot was killed.

Engine Failure Details

According to the investigation, the probable cause of the accident was the failure of the right engine after the master and connecting rods failed in flight. Contributing factors included material failure, failure to maintain directional control, and an internal failure of the right engine. No other factors were identified.

Post-Crash Fire

The fire that ensued after the impact completely destroyed the aircraft. No further information about the extent of the damage was provided.

Investigation Findings

The investigation did not specify the aircraft type, registration, engine count, date, operator, or time of day. No information about ATC involvement or weather conditions was given. The sole occupant was the pilot, who was killed in the accident.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 26 May 1975 Beechcraft D18 accident near Lamesa, United States of America?

A pilot flying from Rockyford, Colorado, lost control after a right engine failure and crashed in a sandy area near Lamesa. The aircraft was destroyed by fire and the pilot was killed.

Were there any fatalities in the 26 May 1975 Beechcraft D18 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 26 May 1975 involved a Beechcraft D18, registration N177V, operated by Private United States of America, at Lamesa, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Failure of the right engine after the master and connecting rods failed in flight, with contributing factors: material failure, failure to maintain directional control, and right engine failed internally.