What happened
While stationed at the North Caicos Airport apron, the aircraft was briefly left unattended while the pilot retrieved personal belongings. Upon the pilot's return, five passengers prepared for departure. The pilot conducted an emergency briefing and supervised the boarding process. Before departure, the pilot informed the passengers that they might encounter turbulence and was observed making a telephone call, which was believed to be a notification to Air Traffic Control in Providencies regarding the intended flight.
At 1840 hrs, the Vq-tiu, a Cessna 404, taxied to the eastern end of Runway 08. Because the flight occurred an hour after sunset and outside standard operating hours, no Air Traffic Control staff were present, though runway lighting was managed by the operator's station manager. Following takeoff, the aircraft began a right-hand turn toward Grand Turk. During this maneuver, the aircraft entered a steep bank and began a descent. The aircraft struck shallow water at a high forward velocity, causing the airframe to break apart. The fuselage remained largely intact but landed in a nearly inverted position.
Findings
All passengers survived the crash with various injuries, but the pilot sustained fatal injuries and died before receiving advanced medical care. The accident resulted in one fatality and four injuries.