2 fatalities

Aircraft Crashes After Engine Failure and Nose-Down Descent Near Albuquerque (N54286)

Albuquerque, United States of AmericaTakeoff (climb)

On May 13, 1979, a Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain (registration N54286) operated by Verna Drilling Company was involved in an aviation accident near Albuquerque, United States of America during takeoff. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Nose down and subsequent crash due to inadequate maintenance and inspection. 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

Shortly after takeoff from Albuquerque Airport, the right engine failed due to an inoperative hydraulic pump. The pilot shut down the engine and turned back, but the aircraft nosed down and crashed, killing the pilot and a passenger and injuring four others.

Accident Details

Approximately two minutes after departure from Albuquerque Airport, while climbing, the right engine failed after the hydraulic pump became inoperative. The pilot shut down the right engine and feathered its propeller before initiating a turn back to the airport. The aircraft then nosed down and crashed in flames. The pilot and a passenger were killed; four other occupants were injured.

Probable Cause

The official investigation determined that the probable cause of the nose-down and subsequent crash was inadequate maintenance and inspection.

Contributing Factors

Several contributing factors were reported: failure of the hydraulic pump due to improper installation; engine structure issues involving pistons and piston rings; lack of lubrication of a specific part; overheating; the pilot's failure to follow approved procedures; high outside air temperature; high density altitude of 7,750 feet; rough terrain; and landing gear extended during a go-around from a gear-up approach.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 13 May 1979 Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain accident near Albuquerque, United States of America?

Shortly after takeoff from Albuquerque Airport, the right engine failed due to an inoperative hydraulic pump. The pilot shut down the engine and turned back, but the aircraft nosed down and crashed, killing the pilot and a passenger and injuring four others.

Were there any fatalities in the 13 May 1979 Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 13 May 1979 involved a Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain, registration N54286, operated by Verna Drilling Company, at Albuquerque, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Nose down and subsequent crash due to inadequate maintenance and inspection.