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Engine Power Loss During Touch-and-Go Practice (N3086Y)

Las Cruces, NM, US

On April 8, 1998, a Cessna 182E (registration N3086Y) was involved in an aviation accident near Las Cruces, NM. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's improper use of (or failure to use) carburetor heat, which resulted in carburetor ice, loss of engine power, and 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 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot lost engine power at 6,500 feet while practicing touch-and-go landings. The aircraft struck a bush and nosed over. Post-accident testing showed the engine was functional, and weather data suggested carburetor ice was a likely factor.

Incident Overview and Pilot Actions During the flight, the pilot reported making several turns in preparation for returning to the airport to perform touch-and-go landings. At an altitude of 6,500 feet MSL, the engine lost power. The pilot's efforts to restore power were unsuccessful, prompting an attempt to land on a road. During this forced landing, the airplane struck a mesquite bush and nosed over. ## Post-Accident Engine Testing and Weather Data Following the accident, the engine was functionally tested and operated normally. The pilot surmised that the power loss was due to carburetor ice. Thirty-four minutes before the accident, the temperature and dew point at El Paso International Airport, located approximately 30 miles southeast, were 9 degrees and -3 degrees C (48.2 and 26.6 degrees F), respectively. According to carburetor icing probability charts, these conditions were conducive to serious icing at glide power and approached a moderate icing realm at cruise power.

Icing

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 8 Apr 1998 Cessna 182E accident near Las Cruces, NM?

A pilot lost engine power at 6,500 feet while practicing touch-and-go landings. The aircraft struck a bush and nosed over. Post-accident testing showed the engine was functional, and weather data suggested carburetor ice was a likely factor.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 8 Apr 1998 involved a Cessna 182E, registration N3086Y, at Las Cruces, NM.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot's improper use of (or failure to use) carburetor heat, which resulted in carburetor ice, loss of engine power, and a forced landing. Related factors were: the carburetor icing (weather) conditions, and the lack of suitable terrain for a forced landing.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X09856. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.