Probable cause
The pilot's decision to attempt a takeoff from an unimproved airstrip with a high density altitude.
NTSB analysis
The pilot stated that he was doing some back country flying and landed to the northeast at an unimproved ranch airstrip with a field elevation of 7,400 feet msl. The airstrip was not maintained and there was tall grass along the landing path. After landing, the pilot turned around and took off to the southwest. The airplane failed to gain altitude and collided with a fence and impacted terrain. The pilot said the temperature was 26 degrees Celsius (79 degrees Fahrenheit). There were no anomalies found with the airplane's engine or other airplane systems.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN10LA227 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 7, 2010
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Glenwood, New Mexico
- Nearest airport
- Shepley Ranch (NONE)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-28-140
- N-number
- N4372J
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.