Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 402B near Sioux Falls, SD — 2016-05-27

Final reportCEN16LA201
Sign in to save
Date
2016-05-27
Location
Sioux Falls, SD, USA
Airport
FSD
Aircraft
CESSNA 402B
Registration
N76MD
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Maneuvering

Probable cause

The failure of the No. 4 cylinder head, which resulted in an engine fire and subsequent damage to the wing structure.

NTSB narrative

The commercial pilot in the left seat and the airline transport pilot in the right seat were conducting new-hire training for the left-seat pilot. While maneuvering for a practice approach, the pilots noticed the left engine was running rough. The left-seat pilot activated the auxiliary fuel pump, and the roughness resolved temporarily. Shortly thereafter, the left engine tachometer went to zero, and the left-seat pilot noticed flames emitting from the left engine cowling. The pilots declared an emergency, secured the left engine, and landed the airplane uneventfully; the wing structure was damaged by the fire. Examination of the left engine revealed thermal damage to the No. 4 cylinder, consistent with a preexisting crack condition that allowed exhaust gas to erode the cylinder head and resulted in an engine fire.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Mechanical failure
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have conducted a thorough preflight inspection of the engine.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 4 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents4

Related mishaps