What happened
On the morning of April 7, 1996, a De Havilland DH6, registered as N143SA, was performing a scheduled international passenger commuter flight out of Virgin Gorda Airport in the British Virgin Islands. The flight was in its initial departure phase under visual meteorological conditions.
During the takeoff roll, the aircraft suddenly experienced a sharp deviation to the left. The pilot was unable to maintain directional control of the plane, causing it to exit the runway surface. As the aircraft left the paved area, it struck a fence, which resulted in the separation of one wing from the fuselage. The impact caused substantial damage to the airframe.
Despite the severity of the impact, there were no fatalities among the occupants. The crew, consisting of the captain and first officer, along with eight passengers, escaped without injury. One passenger sustained minor injuries during the event.
Findings
According to statements from the captain, the primary issue during the takeoff roll was a sudden loss of directional control that caused the aircraft to veer sharply to the left.