What happened
While traveling along its intended route, the aircraft experienced a sudden outbreak of fire. In response to the emergency, the crew members elected to evacuate the plane via parachute. Following the abandonment of the aircraft, the plane entered a steep descent and struck the ground in a field situated approximately five miles southwest of Hope.
Of the four people on board, three crew members survived the incident without injuries. However, one occupant was killed during the event. The fatality was attributed to a malfunction involving a parachute, which failed to deploy correctly during the jump.
Findings
- An in-flight fire necessitated the emergency evacuation of the crew.
- The failure of a parachute to open properly resulted in one death.