Casualties unknown

Pilot Encounters Extreme Icing During IFR Flight; Diverts to Farmington (N732KS)

Farmington, NM, US

On February 7, 1983, a Cessna T210M (registration N732KS) was involved in an aviation accident near Farmington, NM. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot received a weather briefing and filed an IFR flight plan but was not advised of a forecast for moderate icing. After encountering extreme icing, the pilot diverted to Farmington, New Mexico. During landing, the right wing dropped, struck the runway, the gear collapsed, and the aircraft slid off the runway.

Weather Briefing

The pilot obtained a weather briefing and filed an instrument flight rules (IFR) flight plan before departure. According to reports, the flight service station (FSS) specialist who conducted the briefing did not inform the pilot of a pertinent forecast predicting moderate icing in clouds and precipitation up to 18,000 feet. The forecast was available to the specialist at the time of the briefing.

In-Flight Encounter

During climb-out, the pilot reported encountering extreme icing conditions. As a result, the pilot decided to divert to Farmington, New Mexico. The pilot then executed a VOR/DME approach to the airport. The approach was flown high, and the pilot informed the tower that he would circle and land.

Landing and Outcome

During the landing, the right wing dropped just before touchdown. The right wing struck the approach end of the runway. The landing gear collapsed during touchdown, and the aircraft slid off the left side of the runway. Reports indicated that the aircraft and its windshield were covered with ice at the time.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 7 Feb 1983 Cessna T210M accident near Farmington, NM?

A pilot received a weather briefing and filed an IFR flight plan but was not advised of a forecast for moderate icing. After encountering extreme icing, the pilot diverted to Farmington, New Mexico. During landing, the right wing dropped, struck the runway, the gear collapsed, and the aircraft slid off the runway.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 7 Feb 1983 involved a Cessna T210M, registration N732KS, at Farmington, NM.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X42198. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.