Casualties unknown

Engine Fails During Takeoff, Forced Landing After Load Dump (N53277)

Alpha, FL, US

On May 24, 1982, a Cessna 188 (registration N53277) operated by James H. Mccroan was involved in an aviation accident near Alpha, FL. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

During takeoff, the engine ran rough at 1000 ft with abnormal fuel pressure and black exhaust smoke. After dumping the load, the engine quit, leading to a forced landing where the aircraft cleared trees but hit the ground. Subsequent engine tests could not replicate the malfunction.

Event Details

A pilot reported that during the takeoff climb, the engine began running rough at approximately 1000 feet above ground level. The pilot noted that the fuel pressure had increased abnormally and that black puffs of smoke were emanating from the exhaust. In response, the pilot dumped the load, which allowed the aircraft to gain a small amount of altitude. Shortly thereafter, the engine quit completely.

Forced Landing

The pilot executed a forced landing. During the landing, the aircraft barely cleared some trees before striking the ground. No further details about the landing or post-impact conditions were provided.

Post-Accident Engine Test

After the event, the engine was tested and a run-up was performed. However, the malfunction could not be duplicated during the test. The exact nature of the engine problem remains unidentified.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020917X03739. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.