What happened
During a routine cruise phase of a cargo operation departing from Roseau for Christiansted, the aircraft experienced a loss of hydraulic pressure in its left engine. In response to this malfunction, the crew performed procedures to shut down the engine and feather the propeller.
Shortly after the initial engine issue was addressed, the right engine suffered a misfire. Faced with the loss of power from both engines, the pilot lowered the aircraft's altitude to facilitate an emergency landing on the water. The aircraft type ditched in the sea near Goyave. All four fatalities were avoided as all four occupants were successfully rescued from the scene. However, the aircraft subsequently sank and was destroyed.
Findings
Investigations into the incident identified that the primary issue began with a loss of hydraulic pressure in the left engine, though the specific reason for this failure remains undetermined. Additionally, the right engine experienced a partial failure, which was likely the result of excessive engine use.