No fatalities

2005-03-09: Cessna 208B Grand Caravan (V3-HFW) — Tropic Air (Belize) — Belize City-Sir Barry Bowen Municipal, Belize

Belize City-Sir Barry Bowen Municipal, BelizeTakeoff (climb)

On March 9, 2005, a Cessna 208B Grand Caravan (registration V3-HFW) operated by Tropic Air (Belize) was involved in an aviation accident near Belize City-Sir Barry Bowen Municipal, Belize during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Loss of control during initial climb due to windshear after weather conditions suddenly changed as a thunderstorm was approaching the airport. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 7 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781199744Data APIEditorial standards

A single-engine aircraft lost control during initial climb from Belize City airport, crashing upside down in shallow water. All 14 occupants were rescued, but the aircraft was damaged beyond repair. Wind shear from an approaching thunderstorm was cited as the probable cause.

Accident Details

On a flight departing from Belize City-Sir Barry Bowen Municipal Airport, a single-engine aircraft experienced a loss of control shortly after takeoff. The aircraft was in its initial climb phase when it went out of control and crashed into the sea. The aircraft came to rest upside down in shallow water.

Rescue and Damage

All 14 occupants on board were successfully rescued from the wreckage. The aircraft sustained damage beyond repair as a result of the crash and subsequent submersion.

Probable Cause

According to the official investigation, the probable cause of the accident was a loss of control during initial climb due to wind shear. This occurred after weather conditions suddenly changed as a thunderstorm was approaching the airport.