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Casualties unknown

Agricultural aircraft nosed over after engine failure during third flight (N8678L)

Limon, CO, US

On June 7, 1988, a Piper PA-25-235 (registration N8678L) operated by Saffer Spray Service, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Limon, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed to prevent carburetor icing, resulting in an engine failure and subsequent forced landing. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

An agricultural pilot experienced an engine failure during his third flight of the day, resulting in a forced landing where the aircraft nosed over. No injuries were reported.

What happened

The pilot was conducting agricultural operations when he reported that the engine quit during his third swath run of the day. He attempted to execute a forced landing but the aircraft nosed over upon impact.

The investigation

An FAA airworthiness inspector examined the wreckage and found no evidence of a pre-impact mechanical failure. The pilot stated he had 15 gallons of fuel on board at takeoff and had been airborne for approximately 15 minutes.

Findings

The weather conditions were conducive to carburetor icing, which likely contributed to the engine failure. The aircraft sustained substantial damage during the nose-over.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed to prevent carburetor icing, resulting in an engine failure and subsequent forced landing.
Icing

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X25912. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.