What happened
During the initial climb phase following departure from La Paz-El Alto Airport, the number two engine of the aircraft experienced a fire. Upon detecting the fire, the crew attempted to suppress the flames but were unsuccessful in extinguishing the blaze. In response to the situation, the captain performed an engine shutdown and feathered the propeller of the affected engine.
To manage the emergency, the pilot maintained a low altitude and navigated toward a wasteland situated approximately 18 km west of El Alto Airport, near the Laja area. The crew executed a landing that was described as normal. Once the aircraft came to a complete stop, the occupants evacuated the cabin. During the event, the fire expanded to encompass the left wing, though the flames were eventually brought under control.
Findings
- The primary issue involved a fire originating in the number two engine during the climb.
- The inability to extinguish the engine fire necessitated the shutdown of the engine and the subsequent emergency descent.