Casualties unknown

Engine Failure and Fire During Cruise Flight (N37167)

Cincinnati, OH, US

On July 12, 1993, a Cessna 404 (registration N37167) operated by Bowman Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Cincinnati, OH. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The number three cylinder hold-down bolts failed due to fatigue. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 3 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

During cruise flight, the number two engine failed and caught fire. The pilot executed a dive to extinguish the fire and diverted to the nearest airport. Investigation revealed the number three cylinder separated from the crankcase due to fatigue failure of hold-down bolts, causing fire damage to the engine cowling and right wing spar.

Incident

While in cruise flight, the airplane's number two engine failed and caught fire. The pilot responded by putting the airplane into a dive, which extinguished the fire. The flight then diverted to the nearest airport and landed without further incident.

Damage

Post-flight examination of the airplane revealed that the fire had burned through the engine cowling and damaged the right wing spar.

Investigation

Examination of the engine determined that the number three cylinder had separated from the crankcase. The associated fuel injector line was found disconnected from its fitting. Metallurgical examinations of the number three cylinder components revealed that the number three cylinder hold-down bolts failed due to fatigue.

Probable cause

The number three cylinder hold-down bolts failed due to fatigue.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X12802. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.