Accident Summary
On August 5, 1996, at approximately 1335 Atlantic standard time, a Cessna 402B, registration N403N, operated by Virgin Air, Inc. doing business as Air St. Thomas, as Flight 105, overran the runway during an aborted takeoff at St. Barthelemy Island. The flight was a scheduled international passenger service under 14 CFR Part 135, originating from St. Barthelemy Island with a destination of St. Thomas. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time, and an instrument flight plan had been filed.
Aircraft and Flight Information
The aircraft involved was a Cessna 402B, registered as N403N. The flight was scheduled from St. Barthelemy Island to St. Thomas. The pilot, an airline transport-rated pilot, and six passengers were not injured. One passenger received minor injuries. The aircraft sustained substantial damage and came to rest in approximately three feet of water.
Pilot Statement
The pilot reported that during the takeoff roll, the elevator control jammed. He subsequently aborted the takeoff but was unable to stop the aircraft before it overran the runway. The aircraft came to rest in about three feet of water. The flight was originating at the time of the accident.
Injuries and Damage
No injuries were reported for the pilot and six passengers. One passenger suffered minor injuries. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.