On April 10, 1987, a Beech 58 (registration N6681L) was involved in an aviation accident near Bridgeport, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The #4 cylinder head came loose in flight for undetermined reasons, resulting in an engine fire. 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.
During cruise flight, an engine fire occurred on the right side of the aircraft. The pilot successfully shut down the engine and landed safely at an alternate airport with only minor damage.
What happened
While the aircraft was in the cruise phase of flight, a fire broke out in the right engine. The pilot responded by shutting down the affected engine and feathering the propeller, which successfully extinguished the flames. An emergency was declared with air traffic control, and the aircraft landed safely at an alternate airport. Only minor damage to the engine was observed.
The investigation
An on-scene inspection revealed that the #4 cylinder head had become loose during flight for undetermined reasons. This mechanical failure was identified as the source of the fire.
Probable cause
The #4 cylinder head came loose in flight for undetermined reasons, resulting in an engine fire.