On October 11, 1969, a Beechcraft C-45 Expeditor (registration N9957Z) operated by Air Indies was involved in an aviation accident near Loíza, Puerto Rico in flight. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Powerplant failure in cruising flight for undetermined reasons. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
Shortly after takeoff from San Juan, the pilot reported a left engine failure and attempted to reach an alternate airport. Unable to do so, the aircraft ditched approximately 400 meters offshore, sank rapidly, and was not recovered. One passenger drowned; 11 others were injured, four seriously.
Incident
Minutes after takeoff from San Juan, while cruising along the coast, the pilot informed air traffic control of a failure in the left engine and was vectored toward the nearest airport. The pilot reduced altitude but, realizing the airport could not be reached, decided to ditch the aircraft approximately 400 meters offshore. The aircraft quickly sank and was not recovered. Debris was later found at the scene.
Injuries and Damage
A passenger drowned during the accident. Eleven other occupants sustained injuries, four of them serious. The aircraft was destroyed by impact with the water and subsequent submersion.
Investigation
An official investigation determined the probable cause to be a powerplant failure in cruising flight for undetermined reasons. Contributing factors reported by the investigation include: the aircraft came to rest in water and sank; inadequate preflight preparation on the part of the pilot; partial loss of power in one engine; left engine failed then the right engine lost power; the ditching occurred in heavy seas 900 feet from shore; and there was no pre-takeoff emergency briefing.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 11 Oct 1969 Beechcraft C-45 Expeditor accident near Loíza, Puerto Rico?
Shortly after takeoff from San Juan, the pilot reported a left engine failure and attempted to reach an alternate airport. Unable to do so, the aircraft ditched approximately 400 meters offshore, sank rapidly, and was not recovered. One passenger drowned; 11 others were injured, four seriously.
Were there any fatalities in the 11 Oct 1969 Beechcraft C-45 Expeditor accident?
The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 11 Oct 1969 involved a Beechcraft C-45 Expeditor, registration N9957Z, operated by Air Indies, at Loíza, Puerto Rico.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
Powerplant failure in cruising flight for undetermined reasons.