No fatalities

1979-07-13: Beechcraft E18 (N62B) — Air Caribbean — San Juan, Puerto Rico

San Juan, Puerto RicoLanding (descent or approach)

On July 13, 1979, a Beechcraft E18 (registration N62B) operated by Air Caribbean was involved in an aviation accident near San Juan, Puerto Rico during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Ground loop, swerved after landing on an abandoned strip during an illegal flight. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781225040Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot conducting an illegal flight attempted to land on a closed runway at night. The twin-engine airplane ground looped, struck a dirt bank, and caught fire. The pilot was not located and the aircraft was destroyed.

Incident Overview

A pilot, apparently the sole occupant, was engaged in an illegal flight. The pilot attempted to land at night on unsuitable terrain—specifically, a runway that was closed. After landing, the twin-engine airplane experienced a ground loop, swerved, and struck a dirt bank. The aircraft came to rest in flames. The pilot was not found, and the aircraft was destroyed.

Official Findings

The probable cause of the accident, as determined by investigators, was a ground loop and swerving after landing on an abandoned strip during an illegal flight. Additionally, the following findings were reported: the pilot selected unsuitable terrain, the runway was closed, and police confirmed traces of cocaine were found in the aircraft.