On January 8, 1996, a Britten-Norman Islander (registration J8-VAK) operated by Mustique Airways was involved in an aviation accident near Bridgetown-Grantley Adams, Barbados in flight. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Failure of the right engine in flight for unknown reasons. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
While en route from Union Island to Bridgetown, an aircraft experienced a right engine failure at 7,000 feet. The pilot ditched the aircraft southeast of Bridgetown; one passenger died, nine others rescued.
Incident Details
An aircraft en route from Union Island to Bridgetown-Grantley Adams Airport experienced a failure of its right engine while cruising at an altitude of 7,000 feet. The pilot notified air traffic control of the situation and subsequently began a descent to execute a ditching. The aircraft came down in the sea approximately 30 kilometers southeast of Bridgetown.
Rescue Operations
Following the ditching, rescue efforts recovered nine occupants from the water. However, one passenger was killed in the accident. The aircraft itself sank and was lost.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined that the probable cause of the accident was a failure of the right engine in flight, though the reason for the failure could not be identified.
What happened in the 8 Jan 1996 Britten-Norman Islander accident near Bridgetown-Grantley Adams, Barbados?
While en route from Union Island to Bridgetown, an aircraft experienced a right engine failure at 7,000 feet. The pilot ditched the aircraft southeast of Bridgetown; one passenger died, nine others rescued.
Were there any fatalities in the 8 Jan 1996 Britten-Norman Islander accident?
The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 8 Jan 1996 involved a Britten-Norman Islander, registration J8-VAK, operated by Mustique Airways, at Bridgetown-Grantley Adams, Barbados.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
Failure of the right engine in flight for unknown reasons.
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