Cessna 402C accident at Melville Hall Airport

11 fatalities • Marigot-Douglas-Charles (ex Melville Hall), Dominica • Landing (descent or approach)

A Cardinal Airlines flight crashed into rising terrain near Dominica during a missed approach on August 23, 1998, resulting in eleven fatalities.

What happened

On the afternoon of August 23, 1998, a Cessna 402C, registered as N2748J, was involved in a fatal accident at Melville Hall Airport in Dominica. The aircraft, operated by Air Anguilla, Incorporated as Cardinal Airlines Flight 947, had departed from Princess Juliana Airport in St. Maarten earlier that afternoon.

While attempting to land on runway 09, the crew initiated a go-around procedure. During this phase of flight, the aircraft struck rising terrain near the airfield. At the time of the incident, weather conditions were characterized by heavy rain, though visual meteorological conditions were present. The impact resulted in the total destruction of the airplane, and there was no post-crash fire reported.

Findings

All individuals on board, including the pilot and 10 passengers, suffered fatal injuries. The investigation noted that the accident occurred during a maneuver following an aborted landing attempt while flying under visual flight rules.

Probable cause

The aircraft struck rising terrain while performing a go-around in heavy rain.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1998-08-23 Cessna 402 accident near Marigot-Douglas-Charles (ex Melville Hall), Dominica?

A Cardinal Airlines flight crashed into rising terrain near Dominica during a missed approach on August 23, 1998, resulting in eleven fatalities.

Were there any fatalities in the 1998-08-23 Cessna 402 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 11 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1998-08-23 involved a Cessna 402, registration N2748J, operated by Air Anguilla, at Marigot-Douglas-Charles (ex Melville Hall), Dominica.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft struck rising terrain while performing a go-around in heavy rain.

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