By Charlie Briggs

It all started out very routine.  The plane was a new model 150 hp, Mooney Mark 20 with less than 100 hours TT.   The trip was for buying cattle.   The weather was clear and calm.  The route was direct from Amarillo, Texas’ Tradewind Airport to a ranch just south of Springer, N.M. on the east slope of the Rockies. Springer is on Highway 56 and approximately 90 miles west of Clayton, N.M. This route was to play a role in this event.

Landing on a smooth, grassy pasture near the ranch headquarters, I was met by the rancher. We spent the day looking at various sets of cattle.  As evening drew near, nothing would do but “stay for a steak.” After an evening of exchanging “cow country tales” it was time to get home.