What happened
The incident occurred during a test flight shortly after departure from Homestead AFB. Approximately eight minutes into the initial climb phase, the left engine experienced a fire that rapidly escalated into an explosion. In response to the emergency, one passenger successfully bailed out of the aircraft. The remaining crew members attempted to return to the airbase for an emergency landing. However, before they could reach the runway, the aircraft suffered a catastrophic structural failure or secondary explosion. It dove toward the ground and impacted a field located near the airport, resulting in a post-crash fire. All four individuals on board were killed in the accident.
Findings
Investigations into the cause of the disaster focused on fuel system integrity within the wing structure. The official findings indicated that a leak or break in a fuel line situated in or adjacent to the wheel well allowed gasoline and fumes to accumulate. This accumulation occurred within the left wheel well, the left center section, and the left wing. The presence of these flammable vapors created a hazardous environment that was ultimately ignited by the engine exhaust, leading to the fatal explosion.