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Engine Power Loss During Climb Leads to Forced Landing and Ground Collision (N4274A)

Rockford, MI, US

On May 18, 1996, a Johnson AVID FLYER (registration N4274A) was involved in an aviation accident near Rockford, MI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: engine overtemperature which occurred for an undetermined reason. A factor was the excessive descent rate. 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 experienced a partial engine power loss during climb, followed by a brief recovery and subsequent total loss. A forced landing on a road resulted in a hard touchdown, landing gear collapse, and left wing impact with a post.

Event Summary

The pilot reported that while climbing at an altitude between 300 and 400 feet above ground level, the engine suddenly lost power. After a duration of two to three seconds, the engine briefly regained power for approximately one second before losing power again. The pilot then selected a road for a forced landing.

During the landing, the pilot noted that the vertical velocity was too fast. The landing gear subsequently collapsed, and the left wing struck a post.

Aircraft Examination

A post-incident examination of the wreckage revealed no evidence of malfunction in the engine controls or flight controls. Additionally, no anomalies were found with the fuel or oil systems. The examination did find that the piston rings were seized on the piston.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 18 May 1996 Johnson AVID FLYER accident near Rockford, MI?

A pilot experienced a partial engine power loss during climb, followed by a brief recovery and subsequent total loss. A forced landing on a road resulted in a hard touchdown, landing gear collapse, and left wing impact with a post.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 18 May 1996 involved a Johnson AVID FLYER, registration N4274A, at Rockford, MI.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

engine overtemperature which occurred for an undetermined reason. A factor was the excessive descent rate.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X05724. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.