Incident Overview
A twin-engine aircraft on a flight from San Antonio, Texas, to Mobile, Alabama, was cruising at an altitude of 2,500 feet when the crew alerted air traffic control that the left engine was on fire. The pilots elected to divert to the nearest airport. However, within a few minutes of the call, the left wing separated from the airframe, and the airplane crashed in flames in a field near Katy, Texas, approximately 27 miles west of Houston. The aircraft was destroyed, and both pilots were killed.
Investigation Findings
The official investigation determined the probable cause of the accident. The number 8 cylinder on the left engine failed in flight, resulting in a hydraulic leak. The leaking oil spread within the engine nacelle and ignited upon contact with high-temperature equipment. The fire was not contained and eventually spread to the left wing, causing it to detach from the aircraft shortly thereafter.
Location and Context
The crash site was located in an open field in Katy, a city in Harris County, Texas. The aircraft was en route to Mobile, Alabama, at the time of the engine fire. Emergency response teams arrived at the scene, but the aircraft was completely destroyed by impact and post-crash fire.