The Accident Flight Occurred On An Intermediate Leg Of The Cross-Country Flight

Location: Counselor, NM Accident Number: WPR22FA148
Date & Time: April 9, 2022, 12:00 Local Registration: N24345
Aircraft: Taylorcraft BL-65 Injuries: 1 Fatal, 1 Serious
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Ferry

On April 9, 2022, about 1200 mountain standard time, a Taylorcraft BL-65, N24345, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Counselor, New Mexico. The pilot/owner was fatally injured, and the instructor pilot sustained serious injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

According to multiple witnesses, the owner travelled to Afton, Wyoming to fly the accident airplane home with a flight instructor. They departed Afton, Wyoming on April 8, 2022, about 0930 central standard time for the multiday, cross-country flight, with an intended destination of Kerrville, Texas.

The accident flight occurred on an intermediate leg of the cross-country flight about 45 minutes after the pilot departed Four Corners Regional Airport (KFMN), Farmington, New Mexico. The wreckage was located in a dirt field surrounded by sage brush at an elevation of about 7,100 ft mean sea level. The airplane came to rest inverted on a heading of about 360° magnetic. The first point of impact (FPI) was displaced brush with blue paint transfer marks about 30 feet southwest of the main wreckage. Pieces of the wood propeller were scattered between the FPI and the main wreckage.

The airplane was recovered to a secure facility for further examination.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov