What happened
On the evening of 6 February 2007, a Beech 200C Super King Air, registration VQ-TIU, departed North Caicos Airport for a flight to Grand Turk in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft entered an excessive right bank, which initiated a descending, turning flight path. The aircraft continued this trajectory until it struck the surface approximately one nautical mile south-east of the airport. The accident resulted in one fatality (the pilot) and serious injuries to the five passengers on board.
The investigation
The investigation examined the aircraft's flight path, the condition of the engines and propellers, and the pilot's recent history. Investigators found that the aircraft was well-maintained, within mass and balance limits, and carrying sufficient fuel. While a minor defect was noted in the right engine's fuel control unit, there was no evidence of engine failure or control system malfunction. Analysis of the wreckage indicated that the aircraft was still under the pilot's control at the moment of impact, as the attitude was nearly level, suggesting an attempt to recover from the descent.
Findings
- The flight was conducted by a single pilot, despite regulatory requirements for public transport flights necessitating a second crew member.
- The accident occurred at night with minimal external lighting, leaving the pilot without reliable visual references.
- The pilot had likely consumed alcohol prior to the flight; while the level was below legal limits, it likely increased susceptibility to disorientation.
- The pilot's training records indicated a potential weakness in his instrument scanning technique.
- The pilot likely experienced spatial disorientation, which prevented him from recognizing and correcting the excessive bank angle in time.