1 fatality

Pilot Presumed Dead After Illegal Flight Crashes into Sea Near Port Maria (N218K)

Port Maria, JamaicaFlight

On August 25, 1980, a Beechcraft 80 Queen Air (registration N218K) operated by George E. Harris & Company was involved in an aviation accident near Port Maria, Jamaica in flight. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: As the wreckage was not found, the exact cause of the accident could not be determined. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary report: the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive (1962-1981)Updated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A twin-engine airplane on an illegal flight from Boscobel-Ian Fleming Airport crashed into the sea off Port Maria. The pilot, sole occupant, was presumed dead. The aircraft, carrying marijuana, was not recovered.

Accident

The pilot, who was the sole occupant, departed Boscobel-Ian Fleming Airport on an illegal flight. While cruising along the shore, the twin-engine airplane went out of control and crashed into the sea off Port Maria under unknown circumstances. The aircraft was not recovered.

Aftermath

Based on the circumstances, the pilot was presumed dead. The airplane was carrying a load of marijuana at the time of the accident.

Investigation

Investigators were unable to determine the exact cause of the accident because the wreckage was not found. The flight was characterized as illegal, but no further details regarding the nature of the violation or the aircraft's registration were provided.

Probable Cause

As the wreckage was not found, the exact cause of the accident could not be determined.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 25 Aug 1980 Beechcraft 80 Queen Air accident near Port Maria, Jamaica?

A twin-engine airplane on an illegal flight from Boscobel-Ian Fleming Airport crashed into the sea off Port Maria. The pilot, sole occupant, was presumed dead. The aircraft, carrying marijuana, was not recovered.

Were there any fatalities in the 25 Aug 1980 Beechcraft 80 Queen Air accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 25 Aug 1980 involved a Beechcraft 80 Queen Air, registration N218K, operated by George E. Harris & Company, at Port Maria, Jamaica.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

As the wreckage was not found, the exact cause of the accident could not be determined.