Incident
During cruise at flight level 240 (FL240), a fire erupted in the right engine compartment. The pilot reported that the engine turbocharger was malfunctioning. In response, the engine was shut down and radar vectors were requested to Johnson County Executive Airport. As the aircraft descended through 21,000 feet, the fire subsided. The subsequent landing was uneventful, with no further issues.
Investigation
Post-flight examination revealed severe buckling of the engine firewall, attributed to the intense heat generated by the fire. The turbocharger exhaust connecting tube had separated from the exhaust system. Specifically, the turbocharger/exhaust tailpipe coupling, part number 78012, was found to be out of centerline alignment by 1.043 inches.
Findings
The misalignment of the coupling indicated that the component had been installed without proper alignment, which would prevent full-depth engagement of the tube with the connecting exhaust system components. This lack of engagement likely led to the exhaust separation and subsequent fire.