NTSB: Jet engine caught fire before Reno crash

RENO, Nev. (AP) —Federal investigators say a jet engine caught fire before an air tanker crashed near Reno, killing all three crew members.

NTSB Investigator Tom Little says he has at least two accounts for eyewitnesses who saw the left engine of the aircraft in flames as it took off Monday evening from the Reno-Stead Airport.

Little says the plane was no higher than 300 feet off the ground when it went into a roll and hit the ground less than 2 miles from the airport. He says there is nothing to indicate pilot error played a role.

He says they are at a loss to explain what caused the fire or caused the pilots to lose control.

Fonte: Flight Safety Information 04/09/2008.