What happened
While operating at 2,500 feet during a flight from San Antonio to Mobile, the crew reported to air traffic control that a fire had ignited in the left engine. In an attempt to manage the emergency, the pilot decided to divert to the closest available airport. However, shortly after the initial report, the left wing separated from the aircraft. The plane subsequently impacted a field in Katy, situated approximately 27 miles west of Houston, and was consumed by flames.
The accident resulted in two fatalities, as both pilots on board were killed. The aircraft was completely destroyed during the impact and subsequent fire.
Findings
Investigations into the accident revealed that a failure occurred within the 8th cylinder of the left engine. This mechanical failure led to a leak of hydraulic fluid. As this fluid escaped, it spread throughout the engine nacelle where it came into contact with high-temperature components, triggering the fire. Because the crew was unable to suppress the flames, the fire eventually compromised the structural integrity of the wing, causing it to detach from the fuselage.