Probable cause
The failure of the No. 4 cylinder head, which resulted in an engine fire and subsequent damage to the wing structure.
NTSB analysis
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.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN16LA201 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 27, 2016
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Sioux Falls, South Dakota
- Nearest airport
- Joe Foss Field Airport (FSD)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 402B
- N-number
- N76MD
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1977
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Instructional
Other records under this N-number
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.