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Casualties unknown

Engine Failure Following Intake Gasket Leak Leads to Forced Landing (N66388)

Madison, MS, US

On March 19, 1993, a Cessna 180K (registration N66388) operated by Dixie Bowl Lanes, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Madison, MS. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A missing section of the intake gasket at the No. 3 cylinder assembly, which caused unmetered air to enter the cylinder, resulting in a lean fuel/air mixture and subsequent engine failure. 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

After leveling off at 2,300 feet, the engine quit; attempts to restart failed. Forced landing in wooded area resulted in collision with trees. Investigation found a missing intake gasket section at No. 3 cylinder causing lean mixture.

Accident Overview

The pilot reported that after leveling off at 2,300 feet near the destination airport, the engine quit. Attempts by the pilot to restart the engine were unsuccessful. During the emergency descent for the forced landing over a wooded area, the airplane collided with trees then the ground.

Engine Examination

An FAA certificated mechanic examined the engine and found that a section of the intake gasket at the No. 3 cylinder assembly was missing. This resulted in unmetered air entering the cylinder, producing a lean fuel/air mixture. The No. 3 cylinder was removed, and the top compression ring and oil control ring in the piston land could not be moved. Additionally, the top of the piston and cylinder corroborated the lean mixture condition.

Previous Indications

The pilot reported that several months earlier, the cylinder head temperature (CHT) was high, but it was determined that the CHT probe was broken. The CHT probe is installed on the No. 3 cylinder.

Maintenance History

Review of the engine logbook revealed that on December 5, 1991, the intake gaskets were replaced.

Probable cause

A missing section of the intake gasket at the No. 3 cylinder assembly, which caused unmetered air to enter the cylinder, resulting in a lean fuel/air mixture and subsequent engine failure.
Engine failure

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 19 Mar 1993 Cessna 180K accident near Madison, MS?

After leveling off at 2,300 feet, the engine quit; attempts to restart failed. Forced landing in wooded area resulted in collision with trees. Investigation found a missing intake gasket section at No. 3 cylinder causing lean mixture.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 19 Mar 1993 involved a Cessna 180K, registration N66388, operated by Dixie Bowl Lanes, Inc., at Madison, MS.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

A missing section of the intake gasket at the No. 3 cylinder assembly, which caused unmetered air to enter the cylinder, resulting in a lean fuel/air mixture and subsequent engine failure.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X12025. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.