On December 19, 1977, a Britten-Norman Islander (registration N862JA) operated by Vieques Air Link was involved in an aviation accident near Vieques, Puerto Rico during landing or approach. 5 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Double engine failure during normal cruise and ditching due to inadequate preflight preparation on part of the pilot. Contributing factors: mismanagement of fuel, fuel exhaustion, forced landing off airport on water. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A flight from Christiansted to Vieques experienced simultaneous dual engine failure. The pilot ditched the aircraft offshore; five passengers died and five others were injured. Investigation cited inadequate preflight preparation and fuel mismanagement.
Incident Overview
While approaching Vieques on a flight originating from Christiansted, both engines of the aircraft failed at the same time. The pilot attempted a ditching maneuver, and the aircraft crashed into the sea a few miles from shore. The accident resulted in the deaths of five passengers and injuries to five other occupants.
Investigation Findings
The official investigation determined the probable cause of the accident to be a double engine failure during normal cruise and subsequent ditching, attributed to inadequate preflight preparation on the part of the pilot. Contributing factors identified included mismanagement of fuel, fuel exhaustion, and a forced landing off airport on water.
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