No fatalities

1977-08-24: Curtiss C-46 Commando (N74689) — Quarterwins Aviation — Goyave, Guadeloupe

Goyave, GuadeloupeFlight

On August 24, 1977, a Curtiss C-46 Commando (registration N74689) operated by Quarterwins Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Goyave, Guadeloupe in flight. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Failure of the left engine due to hydraulic pressure issue for unknown reasons. The right engine also partially failed probably after being subject to an excessive use. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781227638Data APIEditorial standards

A cargo flight from Roseau to Christiansted ditched off Goyave after the left engine lost hydraulic pressure and the right engine misfired. All four occupants were rescued; the aircraft sank.

Incident Overview

A cargo aircraft operating a flight from Roseau to Christiansted experienced an in-flight emergency when the left engine lost hydraulic pressure during normal cruise. The crew responded by shutting down the affected engine and feathering its propeller.

Shortly thereafter, the right engine misfired. In response to the deteriorating conditions, the captain reduced the aircraft's altitude and executed a ditching maneuver off the coast of Goyave.

Rescue and Aircraft Loss

All four occupants were quickly rescued from the aircraft following the ditching. The aircraft subsequently sank and was lost. No details regarding injuries or fatalities were provided in the source.

Probable Cause

The official investigation identified the probable cause as failure of the left engine due to a hydraulic pressure issue for unknown reasons. The right engine also partially failed, likely after being subject to excessive use.