Casualties unknown

Cargo Aircraft Destroyed by Fire After Engine Failure and Emergency Landing (N103)

Venetie, AK, US

On June 29, 1997, a Douglas DC-4 (registration N103) operated by Hondu Carib Cargo was involved in an aviation accident near Venetie, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A fire associated with the number 2 engine for undetermined reasons. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

After takeoff, the number two engine ran rough and was shut down. A fire warning illuminated and fire appeared. Despite extinguisher activation, the engine fell off during approach, igniting a brush fire. The crew landed safely, but the aircraft burned and was destroyed.

Incident Sequence

An air cargo flight, having just offloaded its cargo at a remote site, experienced a rough-running number two engine shortly after takeoff. The crew shut down the engine and feathered the propeller. During the shutdown process, a fire warning light illuminated, and fire became visible near the number two engine. The crew activated both banks of engine fire extinguishers but were unable to extinguish the fire.

Emergency Landing and Fire

While on approach to an off-airport emergency landing site, the number two engine fell off the aircraft and ignited a brush fire. The crew made a successful landing and ran away from the airplane. The airplane continued to burn and was destroyed by fire. The number two engine was not recovered or located.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X08048. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.