Accident Summary
While en route at FL370, the pilots declared an emergency after reporting a fire in the right engine and requested vectors to the nearest suitable airport. Air traffic control vectored the aircraft toward Lexington-Blue Grass Airport, where it circled to descend. Shortly after declaring the emergency, the pilots reported that they had secured the right engine and extinguished the fire light.
As the aircraft was on final approach, the local controller used binoculars to confirm that both the landing gear and flaps were extended. However, during short final, an increase in pitch attitude was observed. The aircraft then descended below the level of the runway threshold and impacted in a pasture short of the runway.
After initial impact, the aircraft went through a stone fence, struck two utility poles, crossed a highway, and came to rest at the perimeter fence before catching fire. An automobile was damaged by debris, resulting in minor injuries to two occupants. Both pilots were killed, and both passengers were seriously injured.
Investigation Findings
Examination of the wreckage revealed that the landing gear was extended at impact, but the flaps and flap handle were found in the up position. The right engine's outer exhaust cone was cracked in the vicinity of a fire detection loop. No other preexisting mechanical problems were evident.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause is divided into three occurrences:
1. Airframe/Component/System Failure/Malfunction: The exhaust cone on the right engine was cracked, leading to a hot gas leak and overtemperature in the engine compartment. 2. Loss of Engine Power: One engine was lost, and the pilots initiated an intentional emergency procedure. 3. In Flight Collision with Terrain/Water: A precautionary landing was initiated, but the flaps were inadvertently raised, leading to an inadvertent stall/mush by the pilot in command.