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Crash of a Britten-Norman BN-2A Islander off Vieques: 9 killed

Date & Time: Aug 2, 1984 at 0805 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N589SA
Flight Phase:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Vieques - Christiansted
MSN:
38
YOM:
1968
Country:
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
8
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
9
Captain / Total flying hours:
723
Captain / Total hours on type:
71.00
Circumstances:
Flight 901A departed the ramp in Vieques about 0755 with eight passengers aboard, all of whom had reserved seats and purchased tickets for Flight 901. The pilot of Flight 901A contacted the UNICOM as he taxied out to the takeoff end of runway 09. The UNICOM operator informed hym that there was no other traffic in the area. According to a mechanic at the airport, after takeoff, the airplane appeared to climb out normally; however, he said that as the airplane turned left in a crosswind departure pattern, it appeared to lose power when about 200 feet above the ocean. He stated that the airplane then gained about 50 feet, while in a nose-high attitude, and that he then heard the engines develop more power, before the plane descended into the ocean. The airplane had crashed into the ocean north of the departure end of runway 09 and about 1/2 mile off shore. The aircraft was destroyed and all nine occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
The failure of the pilot to execute the emergency engine-out procedure properly shortly after takeoff following a loss of power in the left engine because of water in the airplane's fuel system and the failure of the Puerto Rico Ports Authority to remove excess water known to be in the airport's in-ground fuel tank before conducting fueling operations. The pilot's failure to execute the engine-out procedure properly was due to his inexperience in multi-engine airplanes. Contributing to the accident were:
- The air carrier's use of a pilot not certificated for the flight;
- The air carrier's failure to train the pilot adequately;
- The pilot's failure to follow proper practices to detect water in the airplane's fuel tanks;
- The out of weight and balance condition of the airplane;
- The Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) incorrect application of 14 CFR Part 135 Rules to commuter air carriers; and (6) the FAA's generally inadequate surveillance of the air carrier.
Final Report:

Crash of a Britten-Norman BN-2A-6 Islander off Vieques: 5 killed

Date & Time: Dec 19, 1977 at 0748 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N862JA
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Christiansted – Vieques
MSN:
184
YOM:
1970
Country:
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
9
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
5
Captain / Total flying hours:
5031
Captain / Total hours on type:
1010.00
Circumstances:
While approaching Vieques on a flight from Christiansted, both engines failed simultaneously. The pilot attempted to ditch the aircraft that crashed into the sea few miles offshore. Five passengers were killed and five other occupants were injured .
Probable cause:
Double engine failure during normal cruise and ditching due to inadequate preflight preparation on part of the pilot. The following contributing factors were reported:
- Mismanagement of fuel,
- Fuel exhaustion,
- Forced landing off airport on water.
Final Report:

Crash of a Britten-Norman BN-2A Islander in Culebra

Date & Time: Dec 21, 1971 at 1345 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N589JA
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Vieques – Culebra
MSN:
25
YOM:
1968
Country:
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
7
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
1800
Captain / Total hours on type:
475.00
Circumstances:
On approach to Culebra Island Airport, the pilot encountered unfavorable weather conditions and decided to land on runway 13 instead of runway 31. After the twin engine aircraft passed over the last hill, it landed hard and bounced several times. The pilot initiated a go-around manoeuvre when the airplane struck a house and crashed. The pilot and a passenger were seriously injured while six other occupants were slightly injured.
Probable cause:
The accident was the result of a poor judgment on part of the pilot. The following factors were reported:
- Delayed in initiating go-around,
- Unfavorable wind conditions,
- Evasive maneuver to avoid collision,
- Downdrafts, updrafts,
- Downwind approach.
Final Report: