Aircraft loss during ferry flight near Barbados

3 fatalities • Caribbean Sea, World • Flight

A twin-engine aircraft disappeared in the Caribbean Sea during a repositioning flight from Guyana to Quebec after experiencing engine issues.

What happened

During a ferry flight traveling from Guyana toward St Jean, Quebec, an aircraft experienced significant mechanical difficulties while positioned south of Barbados. The aircraft had previously been kept in storage within Guyana for approximately 15 months prior to this flight.

While operating at cruising altitude, the crew notified Air Traffic Control that one engine had ceased functioning and noted that the remaining engine was experiencing overheating. Shortly after these communications, the aircraft type crashed into the Caribbean Sea. The impact occurred roughly 77 km south of Bridgetown. Despite the launch of search and rescue operations, the mission was terminated several days later because no wreckage or debris could be located.

There were 3 fatalities among the crew members on board, which included the pilot, a second pilot, and a flight engineer.

Findings

Investigations into the disappearance concluded that the primary factor was an engine failure of undetermined origin.

Probable cause

The aircraft experienced an engine failure for unknown reasons during its cruise phase.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1979-03-17 De Havilland DHC-4 Caribou accident near Caribbean Sea, World?

A twin-engine aircraft disappeared in the Caribbean Sea during a repositioning flight from Guyana to Quebec after experiencing engine issues.

Were there any fatalities in the 1979-03-17 De Havilland DHC-4 Caribou accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 3 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1979-03-17 involved a De Havilland DHC-4 Caribou, registration C-GVYW, operated by Air Inuit, at Caribbean Sea, World.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft experienced an engine failure for unknown reasons during its cruise phase.

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