Training flight accident at Up Park Camp Airbase

2 fatalities • Kingston-Up Park Camp AFP, Jamaica • Landing (descent or approach)

A training mission involving a simulated engine failure resulted in a fatal crash near Kingston.

What happened

During a scheduled local training exercise conducted at the Up Park Camp Airbase in Kingston, an aircraft experienced a catastrophic loss of control. The crew was performing a series of maneuvers designed to practice emergency procedures. After successfully completing two landings, the flight crew began a third approach. To simulate an engine failure scenario, the pilot intentionally deactivated the left engine prior to the final stage of the approach.

As the aircraft progressed on final approach, it entered a left bank and subsequently lost sufficient altitude to impact the ground. The impact occurred on a nearby cricket pitch in close proximity to the airfield. The collision resulted in an immediate fire that consumed the airframe. There were two fatalities among the crew members.

Findings

  • The flight was conducting a simulated engine failure drill.
  • The aircraft experienced a loss of altitude during the final approach phase.
  • The crash occurred on a cricket pitch near the Up Park Camp Airfield.

Probable cause

The aircraft lost altitude and crashed while the crew was performing a simulated engine failure maneuver.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1978-05-17 De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter accident near Kingston-Up Park Camp AFP, Jamaica?

A training mission involving a simulated engine failure resulted in a fatal crash near Kingston.

Were there any fatalities in the 1978-05-17 De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1978-05-17 involved a De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter, registration JDFT-6, operated by Jamaica Defence Force, at Kingston-Up Park Camp AFP, Jamaica.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft lost altitude and crashed while the crew was performing a simulated engine failure maneuver.

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