Student Pilot Makes Forced Landing After Encountering Icing and Engine Power Loss (N99378)

Q: What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1990-03-03 involved an Erco 415C, registration N99378, operated by Paxton, Thomas L., at Tierra Amarilla, NM.

On March 3, 1990, an Erco 415C (registration N99378) operated by Paxton, Thomas L. was involved in an aviation accident near Tierra Amarilla, NM. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: INDUCTION ICING INDUCED POWER LOSS. FACTORS INCLUDE CONTINUATION OF FLIGHT INTO IMC CONDITIONS, AND UNSUITABLE MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN FOR A 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 1781061362Data API Editorial standards

A student pilot encountered clouds, snow, icing, and IMC over mountainous terrain, reported engine RPM loss and pitot icing, then performed a forced landing on a highway after striking trees and coming to rest inverted.

Incident Overview

A student pilot was returning home in a recently purchased VFR-equipped airplane. Her father was piloting another aircraft and accompanying her, but the two pilots had no inflight communication.

Weather and Conditions

The student pilot encountered clouds, snow showers, icing conditions, reduced visibility, and instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) over mountainous terrain.

Reported Difficulties

During the flight, the pilot reported a loss of engine RPM at full throttle, pitot icing, and a loss of altitude. She sighted a highway and initiated a forced landing.

Landing and Aftermath

The airplane struck trees during the landing and came to rest inverted on the highway.

1990-03-03: Erco 415C (N99378) — Paxton, Thomas L. — Tierra Amarilla, NM