June 2, 1983, At about 1903 EDT, while enroute at Flight Level 330, the cabin crew discovered a fire in the aft lavatory. After contacting ATC declaring an emergency, the flight crew made an emergency descent & ATC vectored the aircraft to the greater Cincinnati International Airport.

At 1920, the aircraft was landed on runway 27l. As the aircrew stopped the plane, fire dept personnel moved in place & began fire-fighting operations. Also, as the plane stopped, the occupants began evacuations the aircraft. About 60 to 90 sec after the exits were opened, a flash fire enveloped the interior of the aircraft.

23 passengers were unable to exit the aircraft & died in the fire. An investigation revealed that 3 flush motor circuit breakers had popped about 11 min before smoke was detected. The captain misconstrued reports that the fire was abating when he received conflicting fire progress reports. Subsequently, he landed at the Cincinnati International Airport rather than at Louisville, which would have allowed him to land 3 to 5 min sooner. Wet towels & breathing through clothing aided survival. Fire source unknown.