What happened
During a nighttime flight at 5,500 feet, the aircraft's third engine ignited into flames while operating in favorable weather conditions. In response to the fire, the crew performed the procedure to feather the propeller and obtained authorization to perform an emergency diversion to Gage Municipal Airport.
Upon completing a successful landing at the airfield, the right main landing gear failed and collapsed. This mechanical failure caused the aircraft to veer off the runway surface. The resulting movement led to the aircraft coming to rest while engulfed in flames. Despite the intensity of the fire, all 82 occupants managed to evacuate the aircraft without injury. The aircraft itself was a total loss due to the fire.
Findings
Investigations into the incident identified that the primary driver of the fire was a bearing failure within the number three engine generator. This mechanical malfunction generated intense frictional heat and resulted in the leakage of flammable fluid, which subsequently ignited during the cruise phase of flight.