Accident Overview
The aircraft departed on a routine flight to Pensacola to collect a Gulf Power executive for a flight to Atlanta. The passenger had four bags: two were placed in the aft baggage area by ground crew, and two were carried onboard by the passenger. Shortly after takeoff, the cockpit voice recorder captured the passenger stating there was a fire. The first officer confirmed a fire in the aft cabin area. The crew declared an emergency to the air traffic control tower. Witnesses observed the aircraft descending out of the overcast, streaming dark smoke. The aircraft impacted an apartment complex, and a post-crash fire consumed the wreckage.
Investigation Findings
Investigators found no evidence of a lightning strike, aircraft system malfunction, or incendiary device. Forensic chemical tests revealed traces of hydrochloric and sulfuric acid on the passenger's belongings but none on the cabin interior. A metallurgical examination of a broken fuel line showed overload failure and post-heat distress. The cockpit windows were heavily sooted on the interior. The flight crew did not don available oxygen masks.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause was determined to be: "An in flight cabin fire of undetermined origin, and smoke (toxic condition) in the crew compartment, which resulted in physical impairment of the flight crew."