Accident Overview
A twin-engine aircraft departed Pointe-à-Pitre on a scheduled flight to the island of Marie-Galante, carrying 19 passengers and one pilot. During the approach to Marie-Galante, weather conditions deteriorated significantly. The ceiling was approximately 200 feet above the water, accompanied by rain, turbulence, and stormy conditions.
Accident Sequence
While executing a slight left turn, the left wing tip struck the water surface. The aircraft then crashed into the sea and sank to a depth of 13 meters, a few hundred meters offshore.
Rescue and Wreckage
Five passengers were rescued from the accident. Fifteen occupants, including the pilot, were killed. The wreckage was subsequently recovered. The aircraft was not equipped with a flight data recorder or an autopilot system.
Investigation and Probable Cause
Investigators found no evidence of a technical failure of the aircraft, its engines, or equipment prior to impact. In the absence of a flight data recorder (which was not compulsory on this type of aircraft), the probable cause of the accident was determined to be the decision taken by the pilot to descend in cloud to try to establish visual contact with the ground or the sea.
Additional Findings
The absence of an autopilot system, which was not installed on the aircraft, was acknowledged by the investigation commission. The airline had obtained an exemption from the French civil aviation authority (CAA) to operate the aircraft with only one pilot, but the exemption required an operative autopilot system for all flights—a condition that was not met. Prior to the accident, the Pilot's Association had officially protested in writing about the total lack of implementation of these provisions by the airline, pressures exerted on pilots to accept such flights without ATC radar coverage, airborne weather radar, DME, and transponder equipment, as well as inadequate maintenance practices.