Aircraft accident at Culebra Island Airport

No fatalities • Culebra Island, Puerto Rico • Landing (descent or approach)

A twin-engine aircraft crashed into a residence during an attempted go-around at Culebra Island Airport following a hard landing.

What happened

During an approach to Culebra Island Airport, the pilot of a twin engine aircraft encountered difficult weather conditions. In response to these conditions, the decision was made to utilize runway 13 rather than the planned runway 3ally 31. As the aircraft cleared the final hill on its descent, it experienced a heavy landing characterized by several bounces.

In an attempt to recover the flight, the pilot began a go-around procedure. However, during this maneuver, the plane collided with a house and subsequently crashed. The accident resulted in two serious injuries and six minor injuries among the occupants of the aircraft.

Findings

Official investigations concluded that the primary factor was poor judgment by the pilot. Several contributing environmental and operational elements were identified, including:

  • A delay in executing the go-around procedure
  • Presence of updrafts and downdrafts
  • Unfavorable wind conditions during the approach
  • An approach conducted downwind
  • The necessity of an evasive maneuver to prevent a collision

Probable cause

The accident was caused by the pilot's poor judgment, compounded by delayed go-around execution and turbulent wind conditions.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1971-12-21 Britten-Norman Islander accident near Culebra Island, Puerto Rico?

A twin-engine aircraft crashed into a residence during an attempted go-around at Culebra Island Airport following a hard landing.

Were there any fatalities in the 1971-12-21 Britten-Norman Islander accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1971-12-21 involved a Britten-Norman Islander, registration N589JA, operated by Vieques Air Link, at Culebra Island, Puerto Rico.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by the pilot's poor judgment, compounded by delayed go-around execution and turbulent wind conditions.

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