Accident Overview
On February 22, 2026, at 0915 Atlantic standard time, a Pilatus Brittan-Norman Limited BN-2B-27 Islander, registration N865VL, was substantially damaged during a taxiway excursion at Benjamin Rivera Noriega Airport (CPX), Isla de Culebra, Puerto Rico. The airline transport pilot and eight passengers were not injured. The flight was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 135 air taxi service.
Flight and Landing
The airplane departed from Jose Aponte de la Torre Airport (RVR), Ceiba, Puerto Rico, and was destined for CPX. The pilot reported an uneventful landing at CPX, after which the airplane exited the runway and entered the taxiway.
Taxi Incident
While taxiing toward the terminal, the pilot performed a second right turn when the airplane experienced a loss of right braking action. Consequently, the airplane veered to the left and departed the paved surface of the taxiway onto the adjacent grass area, where it traversed over a drain overflow. The pilot regained control and continued to the terminal, where the passengers deplaned.
Damage Assessment
The pilot initially assessed the damage as minor and flew the airplane to the operator’s maintenance facility for further inspection. During a follow-up inspection, maintenance personnel observed that the left wing in the main landing gear well was buckled. Additionally, the right brake caliper seal was found to be leaking. The airplane was retained for further examination.