Aircraft impact on Soufriere volcano during flight to St Lucia

10 fatalities • Mt La Soufrière, Saint Vincent and Grenadines • Flight

A twin-engine aircraft crashed into the slopes of the Soufriere volcano while traveling from St Vincent to St Lucia.

What happened

A flight departing from Kingstown-Arnos Vale Airport was en route to Hewanorra Airport on St Lucia Island when the accident occurred. The twin engine airplane was operating in poor weather conditions during the cruise phase of the flight. While navigating through the inclement weather, the aircraft collided with the terrain at the Soufriere volcano, situated in the central region of St Vincent Island.

Findings

The impact resulted in the deaths of all 10 occupants on board the aircraft. The investigation noted that the flight was being conducted during bad weather conditions at the time of the collision with the volcanic slope.

Probable cause

The aircraft struck the terrain while flying through adverse weather conditions.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1982-08-20 Britten-Norman Islander accident near Mt La Soufrière, Saint Vincent and Grenadines?

A twin-engine aircraft crashed into the slopes of the Soufriere volcano while traveling from St Vincent to St Lucia.

Were there any fatalities in the 1982-08-20 Britten-Norman Islander accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 10 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1982-08-20 involved a Britten-Norman Islander, registration VP-LAE, operated by Inter Island Air Services, at Mt La Soufrière, Saint Vincent and Grenadines.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft struck the terrain while flying through adverse weather conditions.

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