Casualties unknown

Two Britten-Norman BN-2 Aircraft Collide on Approach at Diego Jimenez Airport (N26JA)

Fajardo, PR, US

On August 7, 1997, a Pilatus BN-2 ISLANDER (registration N26JA) was involved in an aviation accident near Fajardo, PR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The inadequate visual lookout of the pilot of N1202S which resulted in the overtaking of and collision with N26JA. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

On August 7, 1997, two BN-2 airplanes collided in flight over the threshold of runway 08 at Diego Jimenez Airport in Fajardo, Puerto Rico, during visual approaches. No mechanical issues were found.

Incident Overview

On August 7, 1997, at approximately 1248 Atlantic Standard Time, two Britten-Norman BN-2 airplanes collided in flight over the landing threshold of runway 08 at Diego Jimenez Airport in Fajardo, Puerto Rico. Both aircraft were conducting visual approaches to the uncontrolled airport. The collision occurred about 100 feet above ground level (AGL).

Traffic Pattern Details

The pilot of aircraft N1202S was executing a non-standard right traffic pattern approach to landing, while the pilot of N26JA was executing a standard left traffic pattern approach. The two airplanes converged and collided over the approach threshold of runway 08.

Passenger Account

Passengers aboard N26JA reported that the other airplane was approaching from the right, much lower than their aircraft, and then disappeared beneath them. The next time they saw the other airplane, they were colliding into its tail section.

Post-Incident Examination

Examination of both airplanes revealed no mechanical discrepancies. No further details about the cause of the collision were provided in the source.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X08545. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.