FlightFinder
Check my flight
Casualties unknown

Pilot Reports Loss of Attitude Indicator in Light Snow; Aircraft Breaks Up in Flight (N47402)

Radium Springs, NM, US

On March 15, 1993, a Piper PA-28R-201T (registration N47402) was involved in an aviation accident near Radium Springs, NM. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A TOTAL FAILURE OF THE AIRPLANE'S VACUUM SYSTEM. FACTORS WHICH CONTRIBUTED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: THE DARK NIGHT, SNOW, THE PILOT'S LOSS OF AIRCRAFT CONTROL, AND THE PILOT'S LACK OF EXPERIENCE IN FLYING IN ACTUAL INTRUMENT METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot reported light snow at 10,000 feet, then lost the attitude indicator while in IMC. The aircraft subsequently broke up in flight. Investigation found vacuum system anomalies. This was the pilot's first known flight in actual IMC.

Incident Description

At 10,000 feet, the pilot reported light snow conditions. Shortly after, she reported losing the attitude indicator, being in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), and stated "...we're in trouble." No further transmissions were received. The airplane subsequently broke up in flight.

Investigation Findings

Microscopic examination of the warning light bulb for the vacuum system revealed a stretched filament. Pitting and scoring were noted in the base of the vacuum pump case. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy produced spectra of particles found in the vacuum pump regulator valve similar to that of the vacuum pump rotor and vane fragments. With 2.2 inches of mercury differential air pressure, the normal test pressure, the rotor of the attitude gyro assembly started, but the rotor bearings were very rough.

Pilot Background

This was the pilot's first known flight in actual instrument meteorological conditions.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 15 Mar 1993 Piper PA-28R-201T accident near Radium Springs, NM?

A pilot reported light snow at 10,000 feet, then lost the attitude indicator while in IMC. The aircraft subsequently broke up in flight. Investigation found vacuum system anomalies. This was the pilot's first known flight in actual IMC.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 15 Mar 1993 involved a Piper PA-28R-201T, registration N47402, at Radium Springs, NM.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

A TOTAL FAILURE OF THE AIRPLANE'S VACUUM SYSTEM. FACTORS WHICH CONTRIBUTED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: THE DARK NIGHT, SNOW, THE PILOT'S LOSS OF AIRCRAFT CONTROL, AND THE PILOT'S LACK OF EXPERIENCE IN FLYING IN ACTUAL INTRUMENT METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X11974. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.