Casualties unknown

1992-06-28: Piper PA-23-250 (N59LD) — Caribbean Air Carrier, Inc. — St. Thomas

St. Thomas, US

On June 28, 1992, a Piper PA-23-250 (registration N59LD) operated by Caribbean Air Carrier, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near St. Thomas. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: IN-FLIGHT FIRE FOR UNDETERMINED REASONS, AND IN-FLIGHT COLLISION WITH THE WATER. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

Shortly after takeoff, the pilot reported an engine fire and was cleared to return, but the aircraft crashed about five miles west of the airport. Examination revealed fire near the left engine, which was not recovered. The cause of the fire could not be determined.

Accident Overview

Shortly after departure, the pilot contacted the airport tower and reported an engine fire. Air traffic controllers cleared the flight to return for landing. However, the aircraft crashed approximately five miles west of the airport before it could execute the return. The aircraft was recovered several days after the accident.

Examination Findings

Post-accident examination of the recovered wreckage revealed evidence of fire in the area of the left engine. The left engine itself was not recovered from the crash site. Investigators were unable to determine the origin or specific reason for the fire.

Maintenance History

The left engine fuel servo had been removed and an overhauled unit installed on April 29, 1992. Following that installation, there were no further entries in the left engine logbook. The investigation could not establish any link between the maintenance action and the fire.

Conclusion

Despite thorough examination, no determination could be made as to the reason for the fire or its origin. The investigation did not identify a probable cause for the accident.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X14939. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.