On July 9, 1964, around 18:15 EST, the aircraft, a Vickers Viscount 745D, registration N7405,[2] crashed 2.25 mi (3.62 km) northeast of Parrottsville, Tennessee, after experiencing an uncontrollable fire on board, killing all 39 onboard.

Among the victims was Durant da Ponte, professor of American literature and assistant dean of the University of Tennessee graduate school.

"[1]: 15  The investigation found the probable cause was "an uncontrollable in-flight fire, of undetermined origin, in the fuselage, which resulted in a loss of control of the aircraft.

The wreckage was transported to the Naval Laboratory in Washington, DC, where the Vickers was reconstructed by the Civil Aeronautics Board.

Also addressed were potential problems with the Pyrene Duo Head Model DCD-10 fire-extinguisher system for the underfloor baggage and heater compartments.