Incident Overview
A cargo flight en route from Kingston, Jamaica, to Tampa, Florida, experienced an engine fire while cruising along the west coast of Florida. The pilot promptly notified air traffic control of the emergency and elected to divert to Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport for an emergency landing.
Diversion and Landing
On approach to Sarasota-Bradenton, the pilot determined that the aircraft would not be able to reach the runway and instead executed a precautionary landing off-airport in a prairie. The aircraft touched down with the landing gear extended (wheels down). After touchdown, it rolled for several dozen yards before coming to rest in flames.
Pilot and Aircraft Status
The pilot escaped the aircraft without injury. The aircraft was destroyed by the post-impact fire.
Official Findings
The probable cause of the accident, as determined by the investigation, was an engine fire in flight and a precautionary landing off airport, followed by a fire after impact. The pilot performed a wheels-down landing. The specific cause of the fire, described as whitish in color, could not be determined.