Engine failure and ditching near Bridgetown

1 fatality • Bridgetown-Grantley Adams, Barbados • Flight

An aircraft flying from Union Island to Bridgetown experienced an engine failure during cruise, leading to a ditching in the sea.

What happened

While operating a flight from Union Island toward Bridgetown-Grantley Adams Airport, the aircraft was maintaining a cruising altitude of 7,000 feet when the right engine ceased functioning. Following the mechanical failure, the pilot contacted air traffic control to report the emergency and the aircraft's current position.

In an attempt to manage the situation, the pilot descended to a lower altitude to perform a ditching maneuver. The aircraft entered the water approximately 30 km southeast of Bridgetown. During the accident, one fatality was recorded among the passengers. The remaining nine occupants were successfully rescued from the scene. Following the impact, the aircraft sank and was subsequently lost.

Findings

  • The incident was initiated by the failure of the right engine during the cruise phase of flight.

Probable cause

The loss of power in the right engine during cruise flight necessitated an emergency ditching.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1996-01-08 Britten-Norman Islander accident near Bridgetown-Grantley Adams, Barbados?

An aircraft flying from Union Island to Bridgetown experienced an engine failure during cruise, leading to a ditching in the sea.

Were there any fatalities in the 1996-01-08 Britten-Norman Islander accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1996-01-08 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?

The loss of power in the right engine during cruise flight necessitated an emergency ditching.

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