Accident Overview
On August 5, 2010, at approximately 2217 UTC, a Cessna 402-C twin-engine aircraft, registered as J8-SXY and operated by St. Vincent Grenadines Air Limited, was destroyed during an in-flight breakup. The accident occurred roughly seven minutes after departure from E.T. Joshua Airport (TVSV) in Kingstown, St. Vincent. The flight was a domestic VFR service to the island of Canouan (TVSC).
Pilot and Occupants
The sole occupant, the pilot, was killed in the accident. No other persons were on board.
Sequence of Events
According to preliminary information released by the Eastern Caribbean Civil Aviation Authority (ECCAA), the pilot reported to the E.T. Joshua tower controller that a "serious vibration on the aircraft" was being experienced at 2217 UTC. The controller made multiple attempts to re-establish communication with the airplane, but no further transmissions were received from the pilot.
A witness observed fragments of the airplane falling into the water before the main impact.
Weather Conditions
Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The weather reported at TVSV included wind from 120 degrees at 9 knots, visibility of 10 statute miles, and no precipitation.
Investigation
The accident investigation is being conducted by the Eastern Caribbean Civil Aviation Authority (ECCAA). The authority has not released a probable cause for the in-flight breakup at this time. Further inquiries are directed to the ECCAA.