What happened
During a routine local training mission operating out of McCoy AFB in Orlando, Florida, the aircraft experienced a significant mechanical emergency. While in flight, a fire broke out on the seventh engine. In response to this developing situation, the pilot initiated an emergency return to the airfield.
As the aircraft was performing its final approach toward runway 18R, it became uncontrollable. The plane descended into a residential area approximately one mile north of the base, impacting several homes while engulfed in flames. The impact resulted in the total destruction of the aircraft and four nearby houses.
All seven crew members perished in the accident. On the ground, the crash caused severe injuries to eight individuals, including seven children. Tragically, one child later succumbed to their injuries three days following the event.
Findings
Investigations into the accident identified that the primary driver of the disaster was an engine failure and subsequent fire of undetermined origin.