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.
What happened in the 10 Apr 1987 Beech 58 accident near Bridgeport, TX?
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 aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 10 Apr 1987 involved a Beech 58, registration N6681L, at Bridgeport, TX.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The #4 cylinder head came loose in flight for undetermined reasons, resulting in an engine fire.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…