What happened
During the pre-flight and run-up procedures, the crew reported no mechanical discrepancies. While the aircraft was cruising at 5,500 feet, the crew observed that the oil and cylinder head temperatures on the right engine had risen approximately 10 degrees above standard operating parameters. Shortly after this observation, the pilots noted a significant drop in the right engine's mean effective pressure accompanied by engine vibrations.
The co-pilot identified an active fire involving the front lower cylinders of the right engine. Despite efforts by the pilot to suppress the flames, the fire remained uncontrolled. The pilot notified Air Traffic Control of the emergency and declared the intention to ditch the aircraft due to the ongoing engine fire. During the descent, the co-pilot donned a life jacket and opened a side window, while the pilot prepared for impact but did not don a life preserver or open a window. During the final stages of the descent, the pilot attempted to deploy 10 degrees of flaps, but the mechanism failed to respond.
The aircraft ditched into the Caribbean Ocean, approximately 29 miles southeast of Beef Island, Virgin Islands. Following the incident, neither the wreckage nor the pilot was recovered. The water depth at the site remains undetermined.
Findings
- Maintenance records indicate the right engine was installed on the airframe on May 14, 2003, at 45,660.5 total airframe hours.
- A comprehensive "C" Check was completed on June 15, 2004, at 45,741.8 hours with no issues documented.
- The incident resulted in 1 fatality and the loss of the aircraft.