On February 10, 2015, about 1139 Atlantic standard time, a Cessna 402C, N223PB, was substantially damaged when it veered off the runway while landing at Antonio Rivera Rodriguez Airport (TJVQ), Isla de Vieques, Puerto Rico. The airline transport pilot and six passengers were not injured. The airplane was registered to Hyannis Air Service Incorporated and operated by Cape Air as flight number 2811, under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 135. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a company visual flight rules flight plan had been filed for the scheduled commuter flight. The flight originated from Luis Munoz Marin International Airport (TJSJ), San Juan, Puerto Rico at 1115.The pilot reported that he made a normal landing approach to runway 9; however, shortly after touchdown the airplane encountered a gust of wind and the nose of the airplane veered to the right. The pilot attempted to regain directional control, but the airplane skidded off of the left side of the runway into the grass.
A post-accident examination by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector revealed damage to the left wing spar and a collapsed left main landing gear. Further examination revealed that the left main landing gear was broken away from the trunnion mounts along with the brake lines. The inspector noted the presence of fresh tire skid marks on the runway and in the grass the progressed to the point where the airplane came to rest. The FAA inspector did not note any anomalies with the brake or landing gear systems.
The nearest weather reporting station was Jose Aponte de la Torre Airport (TJRV/TJNR), Ceiba, Puerto Rico, located 11 miles northwest of the accident site, at an elevation of 38 feet. At 1153, the reported weather conditions included winds from 180 magnetic at 20 knots, 10 statute miles visibility, few clouds at 2,600 feet, temperature of 29 degrees Celsius (C), dew point temperature of 22 degrees C, and an altimeter setting of 29.91 inches of mercury.
A review of the Cessna 402C pilot's operating handbook revealed that the maximum demonstrated crosswind velocity was 15 knots.