On November 2, 1991, a Cessna 172M (registration N61539) operated by Roy E. Roadifer was involved in an aviation accident near Springer, NM. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S POOR JUDGEMENT IN ATTEMPTING FLIGHT INTO FORCASTED ADVERSE WEATHER, HIS DISREGARD FOR THE HAZARDOUS WEATHER ADVISORY RECEIVED WHICH RESULTED IN PARTIAL LOSS OF ENGINE POWER AS A RESULT OF A BLOCKED INDUCTION SYSTEM DUE TO ICE AND SNOW, AND THE… This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A private pilot, despite a weather briefing advising against VFR flight due to low visibility and snow showers, departed on a cross-country flight. He encountered heavy snow that blocked the air induction filter, then followed an interstate to an airport, but during landing the right main gear hit a snow drift, causing the airplane to drift off the runway and flip over.
Incident Overview
A private pilot was advised by a weather briefer that VFR flight was not recommended along his route due to low visibilities and snow showers. The pilot, who was not instrument rated, elected to depart on his cross-country flight anyway and encountered the previously forecasted weather enroute.
Sequence of Events
Heavy snow showers caused a blockage of the air induction filter screen, resulting in diminishing engine power. The pilot managed to follow an interstate highway at low altitude until an airport was found. While landing, the right main landing gear impacted a large snow drift, causing the airplane to drift off the runway and flip over.
Pilot's Report
The pilot reported that due to his low altitude and diminishing power, he was unable to properly align the airplane with the runway before landing.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 2 Nov 1991 Cessna 172M accident near Springer, NM?
A private pilot, despite a weather briefing advising against VFR flight due to low visibility and snow showers, departed on a cross-country flight. He encountered heavy snow that blocked the air induction filter, then followed an interstate to an airport, but during landing the right main gear hit a snow drift,…
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 2 Nov 1991 involved a Cessna 172M, registration N61539, operated by Roy E. Roadifer, at Springer, NM.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
THE PILOT'S POOR JUDGEMENT IN ATTEMPTING FLIGHT INTO FORCASTED ADVERSE WEATHER, HIS DISREGARD FOR THE HAZARDOUS WEATHER ADVISORY RECEIVED WHICH RESULTED IN PARTIAL LOSS OF ENGINE POWER AS A RESULT OF A BLOCKED INDUCTION SYSTEM DUE TO ICE AND SNOW, AND THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO PROPERLY ALIGN THE AIRCRAFT WITH THE RUNWAY.