What happened
On the morning of the incident, a cargo flight operated by Mountain Air Cargo, acting as a contractor for FedEx, departed from San Juan-Luis Muñoz Marín Airport. The flight was destined for Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport in Basseterre, Saint Kitts & Nevis. The aircraft initially maintained an altitude of FL110 before descending to FL100.
During the flight, the pilot initiated a descent at a rate between 600 and 800 feet per minute. At approximately 1153LT, the pilot determined that a diversion to Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport on Saba Island was necessary. While approaching the island from a southern direction, the pilot determined that the aircraft could not reach the runway safely. Consequently, the pilot performed a ditching maneuver approximately 900 meters from the shoreline.
Following the impact with the water, the pilot successfully evacuated the cabin and was rescued shortly thereafter. The aircraft subsequently sank to a depth of roughly 1,500 feet.
Findings
According to statements provided by the pilot, the decision to divert to the nearest available airport was prompted by a loss of engine power during the flight.