No fatalities

CSD Disconnect Failure and Engine Fire Result in Emergency Landing at JFK (N606FF)

Jamaica, NY, US

On June 18, 1996, a Boeing 747-136 (registration N606FF) was involved in an aviation accident near Jamaica, NY. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The CSD failed to disconnect because it had not been overhauled in accordance with the manufacturer's overhaul manual. 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
Aircraft registered N606FF
Aircraft registered N606FF. Photo: Ken Fielding / CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

During descent to JFK, the No. 2 engine CSD failed to disconnect, leading to engine shutdown. A fire warning then sounded; despite discharging both fire bottles, the fire continued. The aircraft landed safely, and firefighters observed a glowing gearbox. Investigation revealed the CSD had not been overhauled per the manufacturer's manual.

Incident Description

While cruising at flight level 350, shortly before initiating descent to John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), the flightcrew observed illumination of the No. 2 engine generator warning light and the constant speed drive (CSD) low oil pressure light. Attempts to disconnect the CSD were unsuccessful. The No. 2 engine was subsequently shut down.

Following the shutdown, the No. 2 engine fire warning activated. The flightcrew discharged both No. 2 engine fire bottles, but the fire persisted.

Emergency Landing and Firefighting

The flightcrew declared an emergency and landed at JFK without further incident. Upon arrival, firefighters noted that the gearbox was glowing red. They applied extinguishing agent to the area.

Examination Findings

Post-incident examination of the engine and accessory gearbox components revealed that the CSD had failed to disconnect. The failure was attributed to the CSD not having been overhauled in accordance with the manufacturer's overhaul manual.

Probable cause

The CSD failed to disconnect because it had not been overhauled in accordance with the manufacturer's overhaul manual.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 18 Jun 1996 Boeing 747-136 accident near Jamaica, NY?

During descent to JFK, the No. 2 engine CSD failed to disconnect, leading to engine shutdown. A fire warning then sounded; despite discharging both fire bottles, the fire continued. The aircraft landed safely, and firefighters observed a glowing gearbox. Investigation revealed the CSD had not been overhauled per the…

Were there any fatalities in the 18 Jun 1996 Boeing 747-136 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 18 Jun 1996 involved a Boeing 747-136, registration N606FF, at Jamaica, NY.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The CSD failed to disconnect because it had not been overhauled in accordance with the manufacturer's overhaul manual.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X06004. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.