Incident Overview
An American Airlines DC-10, while en route from El Paso, Texas, to Dallas/Fort Worth Airport, Texas, received a fire warning for engine #3. The flight crew executed the prescribed emergency procedures, but the warning light remained illuminated. The crew subsequently made an emergency landing at Dyess Air Force Base in Abilene, Texas.
Evacuation and Injuries
Following the landing, passengers evacuated via the left side of the aircraft. During the evacuation, the aft slide at door L4 deflated. One passenger sustained minor injuries. Additionally, 20 passengers were treated for various abrasions and bruises and were later released.
Cause of Fire Warning
Investigation determined that the fire warning was caused by a separated bleed air duct. The duct separation resulted from fatigue, which led to the melting of the fire warning circuit.
Slide Deflation
The reason for the deflation of the L4 slide has not been positively determined.