On December 31, 1990, a Cessna 182B (registration N7288E) operated by Ferrell Valliere was involved in an aviation accident near Estacada, OR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during the forced landing, which resulted in a stall, while operating in weather conditions conducive to induction icing. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft experienced engine power loss shortly after takeoff due to suspected induction icing, resulting in a forced landing in a crop field where the plane stalled at low altitude.
What happened
The pilot reported that the engine lost power during a power reduction maneuver shortly after takeoff. The pilot initiated a forced landing sequence into a nearby Christmas tree crop. During the descent, the airplane stalled approximately 90 feet above ground level (AGL) before impact.
The investigation
A physical inspection of the aircraft revealed that the muffler cones were missing from the exhaust system. This mechanical discrepancy was noted as part of the examination of the airframe and engine components following the accident.
Findings
The pilot and witnesses reported ambient weather conditions at the time of the incident, noting an air temperature of 40 degrees Fahrenheit and a dew point of approximately 36 degrees Fahrenheit. Analysis of these meteorological data points indicated that the combination of high humidity and near-freezing temperatures was within the range favorable for induction system icing. The investigation concluded that the engine power loss was caused by ice accumulation in the induction system, which led to the stall and subsequent forced landing.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during the forced landing, which resulted in a stall, while operating in weather conditions conducive to induction icing.
What happened in the 31 Dec 1990 Cessna 182B accident near Estacada, OR?
An aircraft experienced engine power loss shortly after takeoff due to suspected induction icing, resulting in a forced landing in a crop field where the plane stalled at low altitude.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 31 Dec 1990 involved a Cessna 182B, registration N7288E, operated by Ferrell Valliere, at Estacada, OR.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during the forced landing, which resulted in a stall, while operating in weather conditions conducive to induction icing.
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