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Helicopter Makes Hard Landing After Engine Malfunction, Fire Engulfs Aircraft and Adjacent Shed (N51717)

Buckner, MO, US

On June 14, 1993, an Enstrom F-28C (registration N51717) was involved in an aviation accident near Buckner, MO. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE NUT BACKING OFF THE CONNECTING ROD BOLT RESULTING IN ROD FAILURE. A FACTOR INVOLVED IN THIS ACCIDENT WAS THE LACK OF SUITABLE TERRAIN FOR THE PILOT IN COMMAND TO MAKE A RUN ON LANDING. 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

During a power line inspection flight, a helicopter experienced a mechanical jolt and made an emergency landing. A fire started in the engine area, destroying the aircraft and a nearby shed. The occupants evacuated safely.

Incident Overview

During an aerial observation flight to inspect the Sibly-Blue Springs power line, the pilot and passenger reported hearing a 'clunk'/'pop' and felt a jolt. The pilot initiated an immediate autorotation. With no suitable area for a safe run-on landing, the pilot executed a hard emergency landing. The helicopter slid to a stop next to a corrugated metal and pole shed.

Fire and Evacuation

Upon landing, the pilot noticed a fire had started in the engine area. The pilot and passenger evacuated the aircraft before it and the nearby pole shed were completely engulfed in flames.

Engine Examination

A subsequent teardown of the engine revealed that the No. 2 cylinder connecting rod was embedded in the skirt of the cylinder. A connecting rod nut found in the crankcase was ovalized; however, the internal threads appeared free of substantial damage and were not stripped.

Engine failure

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 14 Jun 1993 Enstrom F-28C accident near Buckner, MO?

During a power line inspection flight, a helicopter experienced a mechanical jolt and made an emergency landing. A fire started in the engine area, destroying the aircraft and a nearby shed. The occupants evacuated safely.

Were there any fatalities in the 14 Jun 1993 Enstrom F-28C accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 14 Jun 1993 involved an Enstrom F-28C, registration N51717, at Buckner, MO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE NUT BACKING OFF THE CONNECTING ROD BOLT RESULTING IN ROD FAILURE. A FACTOR INVOLVED IN THIS ACCIDENT WAS THE LACK OF SUITABLE TERRAIN FOR THE PILOT IN COMMAND TO MAKE A RUN ON LANDING.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X12572. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.