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Engine Fire Prompts Autorotation and Hard Landing (N56CF)

Zuni, NM, US

On March 25, 2001, a Bell UH-1H (registration N56CF) was involved in an aviation accident near Zuni, NM. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The engine's number three and four bearing pack seal had failed, resulting in high engine oil temperature, which led to the engine fire and subsequent failure of the engine. 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 cruise, a pilot observed master caution and high oil temperature, then an engine fire reported by another pilot. After shutdown and autorotation, engine seized at 200 ft AGL, leading to a hard landing with substantial damage.

Incident Overview

While in cruise flight, the pilot noticed an illuminated master caution light along with a high engine oil temperature indication. Shortly thereafter, a pilot in a second helicopter reported that the first helicopter's engine was on fire. The pilot then observed an engine chip light and subsequently shut down the engine, initiating an autorotation.

Engine Seizure and Landing

The engine seized at approximately 200 feet above ground level (AGL). The helicopter struck the ground hard, causing the skids to dig into soft dirt and collapse. The impact resulted in substantial damage to the skids and the bottom of the fuselage, and there was fire damage to the engine. The fire had extinguished prior to landing.

Post-Accident Examination

An examination of the engine was conducted at a helicopter repair station in Redding, California. The examination identified that the engine's number three and four bearing pack seal had failed. This failure resulted in high engine oil temperature, which led to the engine fire and the subsequent failure of the engine.

Probable cause

The engine's number three and four bearing pack seal had failed, resulting in high engine oil temperature, which led to the engine fire and subsequent failure of the engine.
Engine failure

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 25 Mar 2001 Bell UH-1H accident near Zuni, NM?

During cruise, a pilot observed master caution and high oil temperature, then an engine fire reported by another pilot. After shutdown and autorotation, engine seized at 200 ft AGL, leading to a hard landing with substantial damage.

Were there any fatalities in the 25 Mar 2001 Bell UH-1H accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 25 Mar 2001 involved a Bell UH-1H, registration N56CF, at Zuni, NM.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The engine's number three and four bearing pack seal had failed, resulting in high engine oil temperature, which led to the engine fire and subsequent failure of the engine.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20010403X00691. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.