What happened
During a special flight traveling from Seattle to Boston, an aircraft experienced a mechanical emergency shortly after departing from Miles City Airport. The plane was transporting 37 Korean War veterans along with a crew of seven individuals.
Following the departure, the right engine ignited, resulting in an onboard fire. In response to the emergency, the flight crew attempted to return to the airport for an emergency landing. However, the pilot determined that the aircraft could not reach the runway safely. To mitigate the risk, the captain lowered the altitude and executed a belly landing in a nearby field located a short distance from the airfield.
While all 44 occupants were successfully evacuated from the plane without injury, the impact and subsequent fire caused the total destruction of the aircraft.
Findings
An investigation into the incident determined that the primary factor was an engine fire involving the right engine that occurred shortly after takeoff.