Sequence of Events
The commander of a BN-2 Islander aircraft planned to fly from Anguilla Wallblake International Airport (AXA) to St Maarten (SXM) to await cargo. The cabin was initially configured for cargo operations with no passenger seats; the only other planned occupant was the operator's Chief Engineer, who would sit in the right-hand seat. The commander requested to bring a family member, and an extra seat was fitted.
Witnesses reported the commander appeared rushed before departure. The commander stated he partially carried out the normal pre-flight inspection. He started the engines, then before taxiing realized the nose landing gear chocks were still in place. He shut down the left engine, removed the chocks, and restarted the left engine.
The aircraft took off from runway 10 at 14:15 hrs. At between 100 ft and 150 ft, the commander initiated a left turn, but after initial movement the ailerons jammed. He discovered he was unable to straighten the ailerons and attempted to return to land on runway 10. The other flight controls did not appear restricted. With the ailerons jammed, the aircraft continued turning left, losing altitude as it flew over a settlement north of the aerodrome, until pointed directly at the Air Traffic Control tower, causing the Air Traffic Control Officer to abandon the tower.
The commander judged the aircraft was too fast and high to land, so he initiated a go-around with full power. He continued the left turn, losing height and speed to position for another approach. As the aircraft descended over the northern edge of the runway, its left wing struck the perimeter fence. Upon impact, the aircraft spun about its vertical axis with wings level and slid sideways on its right side for approximately 80 ft before coming to rest facing north-west.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined that the commander was probably distracted from his normal duties while arranging additional seating to accommodate the second passenger. He did not complete the requisite pre-flight check or the subsequent check of full and free movement of the flight controls, either of which would have revealed an obstruction to proper operation of the ailerons.