Casualties unknown

Engine Failure Forces Agricultural Pilot to Land in Citrus Grove (N21676)

Zolfo Springs, FL, US

On July 27, 1998, a Cessna A-188B (registration N21676) was involved in an aviation accident near Zolfo Springs, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The crankshaft counterweight retaining pin migrated from its installed position, causing catastrophic internal failure of the engine. 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

An agricultural aircraft experienced an engine stoppage during a pull-up maneuver at low altitude, leading to a forced landing in a citrus grove. Investigation revealed a crankshaft counterweight retaining pin migration caused catastrophic internal failure.

Accident

An aerial application flight was conducting its second tract run of the day. As the pilot initiated a pull-up from an altitude between 100 and 150 feet above ground level, the engine emitted a 'clunk' sound and ceased operation. With limited altitude available, the pilot determined that the only viable option was to execute a forced landing into a 'wide row' within the citrus grove.

Investigation

Subsequent examination of the engine disclosed that a crankshaft counterweight retaining pin had migrated from its intended installed position. This displacement resulted in catastrophic internal failure of the engine, leading to the loss of power.

Conclusion

The probable cause of the accident is the migration of the crankshaft counterweight retaining pin, which caused catastrophic internal engine failure and subsequent power loss.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X10665. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.