1973-08-15: Britten-Norman Islander (N38JA) — Turks and Caicos Airways - Turks and Caicos National Airline — Dondon, Haiti

10 fatalitiesDondon, HaitiLanding (descent or approach)

A twin-engine airplane crashed into a mountain in Dondon, Haiti, resulting in the deaths of all ten people on board.

What happened

During an approach to Cap Haïtien Airport, a twin engine airplane collided with mountainous terrain in the Dondon region. The accident occurred approximately 21 km south of the destination airport while the aircraft was operating in adverse meteorological conditions characterized by low cloud ceilings and restricted visibility.

As the flight progressed through the obscured area, the aircraft struck a mountain that was hidden by cloud cover. The impact resulted in the total destruction of the airframe. There were 10 fatalities recorded among the occupants of the plane.

Findings

  • The presence of low clouds and poor visibility significantly hindered the pilot's ability to maintain terrain clearance.
  • The aircraft struck a mountain shrouded in clouds during its approach phase.

Probable cause

The flight encountered heavy cloud cover and limited visibility, leading to controlled flight into terrain.