On December 17, 1986, a Casa 212 Aviocar (registration N431CA) operated by Latin Air Services was involved in an aviation accident near Caribbean Sea, World in flight. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: An unexpected mid-flight situation necessitated an emergency ditching in the ocean. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
An aircraft was forced to perform an emergency ditching in the Caribbean Sea following an unforeseen mid-flight incident, resulting in the loss of the plane but no fatalities.
What happened
While operating in flight, the crew of the aircraft encountered an unforeseen complication that prevented them from continuing their planned route. Due to the nature of this unexpected situation, the decision was made to perform an emergency ditching in the waters of the Caribbean Sea.
Following the impact with the water, a nearby vessel arrived at the location of the incident. The crew of the boat successfully reached the aircraft and managed to facilitate the evacuation of all three crew members. All individuals on board survived the event without reported fatalities.
Despite the successful rescue of the personnel, the aircraft was unable to remain buoyant and subsequently sank into the sea. The wreckage is currently considered lost.
Probable cause
An unexpected mid-flight situation necessitated an emergency ditching in the ocean.