What happened
During the takeoff phase, an aircraft experienced significant power issues with the right engine. The pilot was reportedly navigating to a different airport to address a known boost pressure problem involving the right engine's turbocharger system. Evidence from the takeoff roll, including excessive runway usage and a lack of expected climb performance, indicated the engine was underperforming. To maintain directional control on the runway due to the asymmetric power, the pilot applied the left brake. This heavy braking caused the left brake disk to overheat, resulting in a fire within the left wheel well.
As the aircraft climbed, the fire spread from the wheel well to the aft fuselage and the area near the baggage compartment. A witness observed the aircraft trailing smoke and performing a circular maneuver before descending. The fire caused extensive damage, including the destruction of the aluminum hydraulic fluid reservoir. The pilot attempted a forced landing, but the aircraft was destroyed upon impact with the ground. There were 0 fatalities reported in the incident.
Findings
Investigations into the wreckage revealed that the fire originated in the left wheel well due to excessive brake application during the takeoff roll. While the right engine had a documented history of boost pressure issues and recent turbocharger maintenance, the fire itself was not found in the engine compartments or the right wheel well. The heat from the braking event was sufficient to burn through the fuselage skin and destroy critical hydraulic components.