Fatal aircraft accident off Turks and Caicos Islands

10 fatalities • Turks and Caicos Islands, Turks and Caicos Islands • Flight

An aircraft crashed into the sea near the Turks and Caicos Islands following an engine failure during a flight between Cockburn Harbour and Cockburn Town.

What happened

During a flight traveling from Cockburn Harbour toward Cockburn Town, the aircraft experienced a critical mechanical issue. The co-pilot issued an emergency declaration after one of the engines ceased functioning while in flight. Following this engine failure, the aircraft was unable to maintain its altitude and descended into the ocean near the Turks and Caicos Islands.

There were 10 fatalities resulting from the impact with the water. No survivors were reported from the wreckage.

Findings

Investigations into the crash determined that the primary factor in the accident was an engine failure, though the specific underlying reason for the loss of power remains unidentified.

Probable cause

The aircraft suffered an engine failure for unknown reasons, leading to a loss of altitude and subsequent impact with the sea.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1978-12-26 Britten-Norman Islander accident near Turks and Caicos Islands, Turks and Caicos Islands?

An aircraft crashed into the sea near the Turks and Caicos Islands following an engine failure during a flight between Cockburn Harbour and Cockburn Town.

Were there any fatalities in the 1978-12-26 Britten-Norman Islander accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 10 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1978-12-26 involved a Britten-Norman Islander, registration HH-CNB, operated by Haïti Air Inter, at Turks and Caicos Islands, Turks and Caicos Islands.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft suffered an engine failure for unknown reasons, leading to a loss of altitude and subsequent impact with the sea.

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