11 fatalities

Cessna 402C Strikes Terrain During Go-Around; 11 Sustain Fatal Injuries (N2748J)

Marigot-Douglas-Charles (ex Melville Hall), DominicaLanding (descent or approach)

On August 23, 1998, a Cessna 402 (registration N2748J) operated by Air Anguilla was involved in an aviation accident near Marigot-Douglas-Charles (ex Melville Hall), Dominica during landing or approach. 11 people were killed. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-11Data APIEditorial standards

On August 23, 1998, a Cessna 402C (N2748J) operating as Cardinal Airlines Flight 947 impacted terrain during a go-around at Melville Hall Airport, Dominica, in heavy rain. The commercial pilot and 10 passengers sustained fatal injuries; the aircraft was destroyed.

Accident

On August 23, 1998, at 1740 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 402C, registration N2748J, impacted rising terrain during a go-around from runway 09 at Melville Hall Airport, Dominica. The accident occurred under visual flight rules in visual meteorological conditions with heavy rain. A VFR flight plan had been filed. There was no fire, but the aircraft was destroyed.

Aircraft

The airplane, a Cessna 402C, was registered to Hartford Holding Corporation, Wilmington, Delaware. It was operated by Air Anguilla, Incorporated, St Thomas, Virgin Islands, operating as Cardinal Airlines Flight 947 Dominica. The flight was conducted under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 135.

Flight

The flight departed Princess Juliana Airport in St. Maarten, West Indies, at approximately 1600. The intended destination was Melville Hall Airport, Dominica. After an approach to runway 09, a go-around was initiated, during which the aircraft contacted rising terrain.

Injuries and Damage

The commercial pilot and 10 passengers sustained fatal injuries. The airplane was destroyed by the impact. No fire occurred.

Registration and Operations

The aircraft registration N2748J was held by Hartford Holding Corporation. The operator was Air Anguilla, Incorporated, conducting the flight under Part 135 as a VFR operation with a visual flight plan filed.