What happened
Following the completion of cargo unloading at a remote location, an air cargo flight departed the site. Shortly after the commencement of the climb, the number two engine began operating irregularly. In response to the engine roughness, the crew performed a shutdown and feathered the propeller.
During the shutdown procedure, a fire warning was triggered, and flames were observed near the second engine. The crew attempted to suppress the flames by activating both banks of the engine fire extinguishing system; however, the fire remained uncontrolled.
As the aircraft approached an off-airport site for an emergency landing, the number two engine detached from the airframe. The falling engine struck the ground and ignited a brush fire. Although the crew successfully landed the aircraft and evacuated the area, the plane remained engulfed in flames and was completely destroyed. The engine that detached from the aircraft was not found following the incident.
Findings
- The crew attempted to mitigate the fire using onboard extinguishing agents, but the fire persisted.
- The separation of the number two engine occurred during the approach phase, leading to a secondary ground fire.