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Forced Landing Abort and Crash Following Engine Failure (N25377)

Damascus, MD, US

On June 8, 1984, a Cessna 152 (registration N25377) was involved in an aviation accident near Damascus, MD. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The failure of the engine during cruise flight, which led to a forced landing attempt that was aborted due to a brief restart, followed by a second failure and subsequent crash. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-23Data APIEditorial standards

During cruise flight, the aircraft experienced a loss of power, prompting a forced landing attempt. The engine briefly restarted at low altitude, leading to an aborted landing and climb attempt before final failure and impact.

What happened

While operating in cruise flight, the pilot experienced a sudden loss of engine power. This mechanical failure necessitated the initiation of a forced landing procedure. As the aircraft descended to approximately 300 feet above ground level (AGL), the engine unexpectedly restarted for a brief period. Taking advantage of this temporary restoration of power, the certified flight instructor (CFI) aborted the forced landing and initiated a climb back toward the airport.

However, shortly after beginning the climb, the engine ceased operation again. The pilot resumed an emergency descent and executed a forced landing on the ground. During the impact phase of this landing, the aircraft nosed over, resulting in significant structural damage to the forward fuselage and landing gear assembly.

Probable cause

The failure of the engine during cruise flight, which led to a forced landing attempt that was aborted due to a brief restart, followed by a second failure and subsequent crash.
Engine failure

Related events

Same aircraft family

All Cessna 152 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 8 Jun 1984 Cessna 152 accident near Damascus, MD?

During cruise flight, the aircraft experienced a loss of power, prompting a forced landing attempt. The engine briefly restarted at low altitude, leading to an aborted landing and climb attempt before final failure and impact.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 8 Jun 1984 involved a Cessna 152, registration N25377, at Damascus, MD.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The failure of the engine during cruise flight, which led to a forced landing attempt that was aborted due to a brief restart, followed by a second failure and subsequent crash.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X40092. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.