Incident
Shortly after departing from La Paz-El Alto Airport, during the initial climb, engine number two experienced a fire. The crew attempted to extinguish the flames but was unsuccessful. The captain subsequently shut down the affected engine and feathered its propeller.
Emergency Landing
Maintaining a low altitude, the crew proceeded toward an area west of El Alto Airport. An emergency landing was executed on a wasteland near the town of Laja, approximately 18 kilometers from the airport. The landing was described as normal.
Evacuation and Fire Spread
After the aircraft came to a stop, the crew evacuated the cabin. The fire from engine number two spread to the left wing but was eventually contained.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined the probable cause to be a fire on engine number two shortly after takeoff for unknown reasons.