What happened
While operating in the cruise phase of flight at 5,000 feet, a Douglas DC-3 experienced a sudden loud bang. The pilot observed a reflection of fire on the left engine nacelle. Following an in-flight engine fire, the aircraft performed a forced landing at a nearby airport.
The investigation
Post-landing examination revealed significant fire damage located on the landing gear assembly and the trailing edge of the right wing. Investigators examined the engine and discovered that the No. 12 cylinder had separated from the main case, with oil from this cylinder distributed across the exhaust and engine systems. Further inspection determined that cylinders number 7, 8, and 9 also failed and separated from the unit. This sequence of failures caused the engine to seize, ultimately resulting in the engine assembly separating from the airframe.