Accident Details
The aircraft was engaged on a ferry flight from Miami, Florida, to Kingston, Jamaica, with an intermediate stop in Nassau, Bahamas. The flight followed inspections and repairs conducted on the aircraft. During the leg from Nassau to Kingston, both engines failed. As a result, the crew was forced to alight on the sea south of Kingston. All four occupants were rescued. The aircraft sank and was lost.
Investigation Findings
The investigation board determined that the primary cause of the accident was the failure of both engines due to stoppage of fuel supply. This led to a forced alighting in heavy seas, causing damage that resulted in the aircraft sinking. The board identified several contributory factors:
- Incorrect installation of fuel shut-off cocks.
- Failure to rectify fuel sight gauges.
- Seizure of fuel selector valves, which precluded proper pre-flight fuel system checks in Miami and Nassau.
- Inadequate final handing over inspection of the aircraft.
- Inadequate acceptance inspection of the aircraft.
- Weather conditions at Kingston that precluded a more direct approach.