Fatal aircraft accident near Mt Gimie, Saint Lucia

4 fatalities • Mt Gimie, Saint Lucia • Flight

A twin-engine aircraft operated by CATA crashed into the slopes of Mt Gimie during a night flight from Castries to Hewanorra.

What happened

During a nighttime flight traveling from Castries toward Hewanorra, a twin engine airplane impacted the side of Mt Gimie. The mountain, which reaches an elevation of 950 meters, is situated in the central region of Saint Lucia.

Following the impact, search efforts located the debris field approximately one day after the incident occurred. The flight was being conducted by Compagnie Antillaise de Transport Aérien (CATA), acting as a contractor for Sun Island Air Services. There were four fatalities among the occupants of the aircraft, with no survivors reported.

Findings

Official investigations concluded that the accident was the result of controlled flight into terrain.

Probable cause

The aircraft flew into the terrain while under controlled flight.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1973-10-29 Britten-Norman Islander accident near Mt Gimie, Saint Lucia?

A twin-engine aircraft operated by CATA crashed into the slopes of Mt Gimie during a night flight from Castries to Hewanorra.

Were there any fatalities in the 1973-10-29 Britten-Norman Islander accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 4 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1973-10-29 involved a Britten-Norman Islander, registration N37JA, operated by Compagnie Antillaise de Transport Aérien - CATA, at Mt Gimie, Saint Lucia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft flew into the terrain while under controlled flight.

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