What happened
During a scheduled flight, the right engine of the aircraft ignited while airborne. The sudden onset of the fire necessitated an immediate response from the flight deck, leading to a decision to divert to the nearest suitable airfield. The crew executed an emergency landing at Cochabamba Airport to secure the safety of those on board.
Upon arrival and subsequent inspection, it was determined that the structural integrity of the aircraft had been compromised by the fire. Consequently, the airplane, identified by the name 'Mariscal Santa Cruz', was declared a total loss and destroyed in the incident. Despite the severity of the damage to the airframe, the outcome for the personnel on board was favorable. All three crew members escaped the event without sustaining any injuries.
The flight deck consisted of three individuals: a pilot, a mechanic, and a sergeant. Their actions during the emergency diversion were critical in ensuring that no fatalities occurred, even though the aircraft itself could not be saved.