What happened
On the evening of July 17, 1995, a Britten-Norman BN2B operated by Trans Island Air was performing a charter flight from Grantley Adams airport in Barbados to Fort de France, Martinique. The aircraft, registered 8P-TAD, was carrying one pilot and five passengers. This specific flight was being operated on behalf of Société Nouvelle Air Martinique to accommodate passengers originally intended for a different service using a Dornier 228 that was unavailable.
During the approach to Fort de France, the pilot communicated with air traffic control regarding the flight's progress. At 01h40, the pilot reported being at an altitude of 2,700 feet while positioned on the 150 radial of the FOF beacon. The pilot indicated that the airfield was visible and requested clearance for a visual approach, which was subsequently granted after further confirmation. The final radio transmission from the aircraft occurred at 01h45. Shortly thereafter, the pilot ceased all communication with the controller.
Following the loss of contact, search and rescue operations were initiated under the DETRESFA phase at 01h58. On July 19, 1995, the wreckage of the 8P-TAD was located in the Carbet hills, specifically near Piton Lacroix in the commune of Bellefontaine. The accident resulted in 6 fatalities.
Findings
There are no specific findings or contributing factors provided in the source material regarding the crash.