What happened
Following departure from the Charlotte Amalie-Harry S. Truman Airport, a twin engine airplane experienced significant issues maintaining altitude. As the aircraft moved past the runway threshold, it descended into a residential structure, causing a crash.
The accident resulted in seven fatalities, including the pilot, two passengers, and four individuals who were on the ground at the time of impact. Additionally, eight passengers sustained serious injuries during the event.
Findings
Investigations into the accident identified several contributing elements related to flight operations and preparation. The primary factor was that the pilot failed to maintain or achieve necessary flying speed during the initial climb.
Other contributing factors included:
- Insufficient preflight planning by the crew
- An aircraft weight and balance configuration that placed the center of gravity at its limits
- A lack of documented weight and balance calculations by the pilot
- The potential improper use of flaps during the takeoff sequence