Incident Overview
On a flight from Pensacola, Florida, to Fort Worth, Texas, while cruising at altitude, the pilot contacted air traffic control and declared an emergency due to a fire in the cabin and smoke in the cockpit. ATC cleared the aircraft for a rapid descent, and the pilot subsequently decided to attempt an emergency landing in an open field.
Emergency Landing
The airplane landed safely in a pasture, but immediately after touchdown it became engulfed in flames. All three occupants evacuated the aircraft without injury. The aircraft itself was destroyed by the fire.
Investigation
Official investigation findings determined the probable cause to be an in-flight fire or explosion for undetermined reasons. Specific findings reported included smoke in the cockpit, fire in the cabin, cockpit, and baggage compartment, overload failure, and a forced landing off airport on land.