Probable cause
The ultralight airplane’s encounter with a downdraft in mountainous terrain, which resulted in a descent into trees.
NTSB analysis
The pilot said that he and his pilot-rated passenger were flying the ultralight airplane through some canyons when they encountered a "downdraft" or mountain "rotor." Despite applying full power and placing the wing in a climb attitude, the airplane continued to descend, and it impacted trees.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN15LA359 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 8, 2015
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Serious injuries
- 2
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Aeros Ltd AEROS 2
- N-number
- N5982V
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2008
- 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.