What happened
The incident involved a single-engine airplane operating a taxi service. The flight originated at Dublin Airport and included an intermediate stop at Liverpool-Speke Airport before proceeding toward Croydon. On board were one pilot and one passenger.
While en route to the final destination, the aircraft's engine exploded in mid-air. Immediately following the mechanical failure, the airplane caught fire. In response to the emergency, the pilot reduced altitude and managed to complete a controlled emergency landing in a nearby prairie.
Both occupants successfully evacuated from the airframe. Although the people on board were unharmed, the aircraft was destroyed by the subsequent fire.