Post-Takeoff Engine Fire and Emergency Egress at Jacksonville-Towers Field NAS (52-5919)

Incident Overview and Emergency Response During the climb after departing Jacksonville-Towers Field NAS, the flight crew reported to air traffic control that the left engine had failed and was on fire. The incident resulted in smoke entering both the cockpit and the cabin, prompting an immediate emergency evacuation. All 34 occupants on board successfully bailed out and descended by parachute to safety. Following the egress, the aircraft lost control, dove toward the ground, and crashed in the vicinity of the airbase. The event highlights the critical importance of rapid crew decision-making and emergency egress procedures in the event of a post-takeoff fire.