Incident Overview
At approximately 0530 local time, a light aircraft was fired upon by soldiers of the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) while attempting to take off from the Braco Airfield near Discovery Bay. The aircraft subsequently crashed and burned at the edge of the runway.
Injuries and Escape
Both occupants escaped the fire. The pilot sustained serious injuries, while the passenger received slight wounds.
Sequence of Events According to JDF
According to the JDF, the pilot attempted to take off shortly after having landed. The JDF ordered the pilot to halt, but the aircraft refused to obey. The aircraft then ran the JDF personnel off the runway before the soldiers opened fire.
Items Found Onboard
After the incident, the JDF discovered several thousand US dollars in cash and a Smith & Wesson revolver on the two American occupants.
Reported Engine Trouble
It was later reported that the aircraft experienced engine trouble en route from the Turks & Caicos Islands to Montego Bay.
Jamaican Authorities' Account
Jamaican authorities reported to the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) that they observed the aircraft arriving at Braco Airfield. After landing, the pilot climbed onto a wing and signaled with a flashlight. When challenged, he reentered the aircraft and attempted to run down a guard. At that point, the JDF guards opened fire.
Probable Cause
According to official findings, the aircraft was shot down by JDF soldiers while taking off.