Probable cause
The airplane’s encounter with downdraft on takeoff, which resulted in a loss of control.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that while taking off, the wind shifted to a strong quartering tailwind. The airplane settled to the ground and the propeller contacted the runway before the landing gear could be extended by the pilot. The pilot and passenger exited the airplane unharmed. The airplane was destroyed by the postcrash fire. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR23LA178 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 7, 2023
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Belen, New Mexico
- Nearest airport
- Belen Rgnl (BRG)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Universal GLOBE GC-1A
- N-number
- N80892
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1946
- Damage
- Destroyed
- 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.