At approximately 1530 mountain time, an Engineering and Research Corporation 415D struck power lines and crashed a half mile west of Mid-Valley Airpark. The pilot and passenger were killed. Witnesses said the airplane entered a left traffic pattern for runway 36, but strong easterly crosswinds had the airplanes wings wobbling. One witness called the pilot on the radio and suggested he land on a closed runway that is normally used as a taxiway. The pilot acknowledged and made a tight turn toward the downwind leg, striking power lines with the left wing.
May 25, Los Lunas, N.M. / Ercoupe 415D
At approximately 1530 mountain time, an Engineering and Research Corporation 415D struck power lines and crashed a half mile west of Mid-Valley Airpark. The pilot and passenger were killed. Witnesses said the airplane entered a left traffic pattern for runway 36, but strong easterly crosswinds had the airplanes wings wobbling. One witness called the pilot on the radio and suggested he land on a closed runway that is normally used as a taxiway. The pilot acknowledged and made a tight turn toward the downwind leg, striking power lines with the left wing....
Key Takeaways:
- An Engineering and Research Corporation 415D aircraft crashed near Mid-Valley Airpark, resulting in the deaths of both the pilot and passenger.
- The airplane struck power lines with its left wing during a tight turn towards a suggested alternative runway.
- Strong easterly crosswinds were a contributing factor, causing the aircraft's wings to wobble prior to the accident.
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