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Casualties unknown

Pilot forced landing after engine power loss at low altitude (N3220H)

Planada, CA, US

On June 23, 1986, an Ercoupe (eng & Research Corp.) 415-C (registration N3220H) operated by William Buie was involved in an aviation accident near Planada, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during cruise flight, which resulted in carburetor icing and subsequent engine power loss. 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 2026-06-22Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft experienced sudden engine power loss during cruise flight at 2000 feet. The pilot attempted to recover using carburetor heat but was unable to maintain altitude, resulting in a forced landing in a field where the plane nosed over.

What happened

During a cruise flight at an altitude of 2000 feet above ground level, the pilot reported that the engine began to cough. In response to this irregularity, the pilot applied carburetor heat. The engine coughed again and subsequently lost power completely. Unable to maintain controlled flight, the pilot executed a forced landing in a plowed field. During the impact, the landing gear dug into the terrain, causing the aircraft to nose over.

The investigation

A post-accident inspection of both the airframe and the engine was conducted to determine the root cause of the power loss. The examination failed to disclose any pre-existing mechanical failures or malfunctions that would explain the sudden loss of power prior to the landing.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during cruise flight, which resulted in carburetor icing and subsequent engine power loss.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 23 Jun 1986 Ercoupe (eng & Research Corp.) 415-C accident near Planada, CA?

An aircraft experienced sudden engine power loss during cruise flight at 2000 feet. The pilot attempted to recover using carburetor heat but was unable to maintain altitude, resulting in a forced landing in a field where the plane nosed over.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 23 Jun 1986 involved an Ercoupe (eng & Research Corp.) 415-C, registration N3220H, operated by William Buie, at Planada, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during cruise flight, which resulted in carburetor icing and subsequent engine power loss.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X33926. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.