On July 20, 1987, a Piper PA-25 (registration N6419Z) operated by Marcie C. Dilley was involved in an aviation accident near Portales, NM. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inability to maintain adequate airspeed and altitude following an unexplained engine power loss, which resulted in a forced landing with gear collapse. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During aerial application practice maneuvers, an aircraft experienced engine power loss during a turn. The pilot attempted a forced landing where the left main gear struck a ridge and collapsed.
What happened
The pilot was conducting practice aerial application maneuvers without carrying any chemical payload. During a turning maneuver, the pilot reported that the engine lost power. In response to the power loss, the pilot leveled the wings and lowered the nose of the aircraft to maintain or gain airspeed. The pilot identified a suitable landing site and proceeded with an emergency landing. Upon touchdown, the left main landing gear struck a small ridge on the ground, causing the gear to collapse.
The investigation
Following the accident, the owner performed a teardown inspection of the engine to determine if mechanical issues contributed to the power loss. This post-accident examination did not reveal any preimpact malfunctions or failures within the engine components that would explain the loss of power during flight.
Probable cause
The pilot's inability to maintain adequate airspeed and altitude following an unexplained engine power loss, which resulted in a forced landing with gear collapse.