What happened
During a landing sequence at Aragarments Airport, the pilot-in-command initiated braking maneuvers only to observe another aircraft positioned on the active runway. In an effort to avoid a collision, the pilot steered the aircraft type to the right, resulting in the plane exiting the paved surface and coming to a rest in an adjacent grassy field.
While all passengers and crew members successfully evacuated the plane without injury, the aircraft remained at the site. The following evening, two individuals were assigned to monitor the stationary plane. During their watch, a candle was ignited within the cabin, which subsequently triggered a fire. The resulting blaze consumed the interior of the aircraft and resulted in two fatalities among the guards.
Findings
- An attempt to avoid runway incursion led to the initial excursion into the grass.
- The use of an open flame inside the cabin during the overnight watch was the primary cause of the fire that led to the deaths.