On December 6, 1968, a Beechcraft E18 (registration N433AC) operated by Conquest Airways was involved in an aviation accident near Charlotte Amalie-Cyril E. King (ex Harry S. Truman), US Virgin Islands during takeoff. 7 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The accident was probably caused by the combination of the following factors: - The pilot failed to obtain/maintain flying speed, - Inadequate preflight preparation, - The aircraft computed to be loaded to aircraft CofG limits, - No W&B prepared by the pilot,… This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
A twin-engine aircraft struck a house and crashed after takeoff from Charlotte Amalie-Harry S. Truman Airport, killing the pilot, two passengers, and four on the ground, with eight passengers seriously injured.
Accident Overview
Following takeoff from Charlotte Amalie-Harry S. Truman Airport, a twin-engine airplane encountered difficulties in gaining altitude. After passing over the end of the runway, the aircraft struck a house and subsequently crashed.
Casualties
The accident resulted in the deaths of the pilot, two passengers, and four individuals on the ground. In addition, eight passengers sustained serious injuries.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined that the probable cause was a combination of factors: the pilot failed to obtain or maintain flying speed; inadequate preflight preparation; the aircraft was computed to be loaded to its center of gravity limits, with no weight and balance prepared by the pilot; and possible misuse of flaps.