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Helicopter Loses Power and Burns After Engine Fire During Training Flight (N51774)

Lake Jackson, TX, US

On January 30, 1997, an Enstrom F-28C (registration N51774) was involved in an aviation accident near Lake Jackson, TX. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The failure of the #2 cylinder for an undetermined reason which resulted in an exhaust leak that melted an oil line. 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

A flight instructor and student were practicing takeoffs when the helicopter lost power at 400 ft AGL. After landing on a taxiway, an engine fire destroyed the aircraft.

Incident Overview

A flight instructor and a student were conducting takeoff and landing practice. During the second or third takeoff, at approximately 400 feet above ground level, the helicopter began to lose power. The instructor turned the helicopter back toward the airport and began a descent while engine power continued to diminish. Before reaching the ground, the engine lost all power.

Landing and Fire

The helicopter touched down on a taxiway. After landing, the instructor observed flames coming from the engine compartment. He shut down the engine and attempted to extinguish the fire with a hand-held fire extinguisher, but was unsuccessful. The fire destroyed the helicopter.

Engine Examination

An examination of the engine by the operator revealed a hole melted out above the exhaust port of the number 2 cylinder. According to the operator, the resulting exhaust gas leak severed the number 4 cylinder oil line and started a fire.

Engine failure

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 30 Jan 1997 Enstrom F-28C accident near Lake Jackson, TX?

A flight instructor and student were practicing takeoffs when the helicopter lost power at 400 ft AGL. After landing on a taxiway, an engine fire destroyed the aircraft.

Were there any fatalities in the 30 Jan 1997 Enstrom F-28C accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 30 Jan 1997 involved an Enstrom F-28C, registration N51774, at Lake Jackson, TX.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The failure of the #2 cylinder for an undetermined reason which resulted in an exhaust leak that melted an oil line.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X07297. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.