Part 8/9:
National Transportation Safety Board investigations into the incident unveiled significant failures regarding aircraft maintenance and ground crew procedures. The initial engine startup problem traced back to a disintegrated filter that should have been detected during routine maintenance checks.
Moreover, the unapproved methods employed by the ground crew not only led to the engine fire, but also complicated an already precarious emergency situation.
Importantly, the pilots’ reaction to the crisis showcased severe lapses in emergency protocol adherence, particularly in the management of flight duties, which had a direct impact on their ability to execute necessary emergency procedures efficiently.