On February 22, 1999, about 1237 local, Continental VR Flight COA1823 ,
a 727-227 register number N79748, was in it's cruise-flight over Texas when
a fire warning on the #3 engine sounded. The aircraft, which was cruising at
FL310 and 57 nautical miles away from Corpus Christi on the J22, made an immediate descent
into KCRP. The pilot entered a squawk 7700 on the transponder and continued to
divert to CRP. A few 360 degree turns were necessary while decending due to the
proximity to the airport. The aircraft then landed without furthur incident at Corpus
Christi, runway 35.
An IFR flight plan had been filed for the flight which originated at Houston's KIAH
enroute to McAllen Municipal (KMFE). Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the
time of the incident.
Upon landing, no reverse thrust was applied due to the failure of the #3 engine. The
aircraft was evacuated once the aircraft left the active runway. None of the 112 passengers
or 5 crew members were injured.
Probable Cause
-Lack of inspection on the #3 engine
-Faulty wiring inside the engine