On May 17, 1971, a Dornier DO.28A/B (registration PJ-ADI) operated by Windward Island Airways (Winair) was involved in an aviation accident near Juancho E. Yrausquin (Saba Island), Dutch Antilles during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot lost control of the aircraft while attempting to land amidst strong crosswind conditions. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
An aircraft veered off the runway during landing on Saba Island, resulting in no injuries to those on board but causing significant damage to the plane.
What happened
During an approach to Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport on Saba Island, the aircraft lost stability immediately following touchdown. As the plane made contact with the runway, it drifted out of control and departed the paved surface. The sequence of events concluded when the vehicle came to a stop off the runway.
There were no human casualties in the incident; all passengers and crew members managed to exit the aircraft without injury. However, the event resulted in the death of a goat near the site. The impact and excursion caused extensive damage to the plane, rendering it a total loss.
Findings
Investigations into the accident determined that the primary factor was the loss of control during landing due to heavy crosswinds present at the time of the incident.
Probable cause
The pilot lost control of the aircraft while attempting to land amidst strong crosswind conditions.