Incident Overview
During a start attempt of the No. 3 engine, a torch occurred, resulting in an internal tailcone fire. Several passengers panicked upon observing the torch flame and tailcone fire. Between 30 to 50 passengers conducted an unauthorized evacuation of the aircraft using the L3 and L4 exits. The evacuation was initiated by passengers at the unattended L3 exit. A flight attendant, mistakenly believing that an authorized evacuation was in effect, opened the L4 exit and allowed additional passengers to evacuate. The evacuation was later halted and brought under control.
Crew Response
The flight crew was initially unaware of both the engine torch and subsequent tailcone fire, as well as the passenger evacuation. Upon learning of the tailcone fire, the crew motored the engine in an attempt to extinguish the fire. They believed the fire was under control and therefore did not request emergency assistance. However, air traffic control (ATC) was alerted by pilots in nearby aircraft who observed the occurrence. ATC then notified crash fire rescue (CFR) personnel, who responded to the site.
Aftermath
During the incident, the No. 1 and No. 2 engines remained running, creating a hazardous condition for CFR personnel and evacuees. These engines were later shut down.