Incident Overview
On a cargo flight from San Juan-Luis Muñoz Marín Airport to Basseterre-Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport, the pilot diverted to the Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport on Saba Island due to a loss of engine power. While approaching the island from the south, the pilot determined that reaching the airport was not possible and attempted a ditching approximately 900 meters offshore.
Flight Details
The flight was operated by Mountain Air Cargo on behalf of FedEx. The aircraft departed at 1049 local time and initially cruised at FL110. At 1139, the pilot reduced altitude to FL100 and maintained that level until 1153, when the aircraft began descending at 600 to 800 feet per minute. The pilot then decided to divert to Saba.
Ditching and Rescue
The pilot evacuated the cabin after ditching and was quickly rescued. The aircraft sank to a depth of about 1,500 feet. According to the pilot, the diversion was prompted by a loss of engine power.