Incident Summary
During the takeoff roll, the left engine of the aircraft caught fire. The pilot successfully brought the aircraft to a stop on the runway, and all 31 skydivers and the two-member crew evacuated without injury.
Propeller Blade Findings
The left engine propeller had lost one blade. The missing blade was discovered several days later approximately 3,000 feet west of the wreckage. Investigators found no evidence to substantiate that the mandatory airworthiness directive concerning the propeller blade had been complied with.
Probable Cause
The official findings identified two occurrences. Occurrence #1 was an airframe/component/system failure or malfunction during the takeoff roll, with three findings: (1) propeller blade failure, (2) company maintenance personnel failed to obtain compliance with the airworthiness directive, and (3) propeller blade separation. Occurrence #2 was a fire or explosion during the takeoff roll.