2 fatalities

1970-12-28: Boeing 727-200 (N8790R) — Trans Caribbean Airways - TCA — Charlotte Amalie-Cyril E. King (ex Harry S. Truman), US Virgin Islands

Charlotte Amalie-Cyril E. King (ex Harry S. Truman), US Virgin IslandsLanding (descent or approach)

On December 28, 1970, a Boeing 727-200 (registration N8790R) operated by Trans Caribbean Airways - TCA was involved in an aviation accident near Charlotte Amalie-Cyril E. King (ex Harry S. Truman), US Virgin Islands during landing or approach. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The captain's use of improper techniques in recovering from a high bounce generated by a poorly executed approach and touchdown. Lack of cockpit crew coordination during the approach and attempted recovery contributed to the accident. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781235632Data APIEditorial standards
Aircraft registered N8790R
Aircraft registered N8790R. Photo: Ken Fielding / CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Upon landing on runway 09 at Charlotte Amalie-Harry S. Truman Airport, the airplane bounced twice and landed firmly, causing the right wing to strike the runway. The airplane overran, went through a fence and a road, and came to rest in flames against a hill. Two passengers were killed.

Accident Sequence

The landing on runway 09 began with an initial touchdown, which was immediately followed by two distinct bounces. After the second bounce, the aircraft settled firmly onto the pavement having traveled approximately 2,700 feet of the 4,650-foot runway. At this point, the right wing made contact with the runway surface, leading to a loss of control. The aircraft then overran the runway end, passed through a fence and a road, and eventually came to a stop against a hillside, where it was engulfed in flames.

Damage and Fatalities

The aircraft was destroyed by the post-crash fire. Two passengers were killed in the accident.

Probable Cause

The official investigation determined that the probable cause was the captain's use of improper techniques in recovering from a high bounce, which resulted from a poorly executed approach and touchdown. Additionally, a lack of cockpit crew coordination during the approach and attempted recovery contributed to the accident.