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Cargo Flight Ditches Off Christiansted After Engine Fire; Copilot Drowned (N98AS)

Christiansted-Henry E. Rohlsen (ex Alexander Hamilton), US Virgin IslandsLanding (descent or approach)

On March 28, 1981, a Douglas C-54 Skymaster (registration N98AS) operated by Caribbean Air Cargo was involved in an aviation accident near Christiansted-Henry E. Rohlsen (ex Alexander Hamilton), US Virgin Islands during landing or approach. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Fire or explosion in n°3 engine in flight for undetermined reasons. Findings: Aircraft came to rest in water; Aircraft ditched following an uncontrollable fire in n°3 engine. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 5 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary report: the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive (1962-1981)Updated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

Following an engine fire after takeoff, a cargo flight ditched off Christiansted. The copilot drowned; two crew members were rescued. The aircraft sank 45 minutes later.

Incident Overview

After takeoff from Christiansted-Henry E. Rohlsen Airport on a cargo flight to Miami, the crew detected a fire in engine number 3 and declared an emergency. Air traffic control cleared the aircraft to return for an emergency landing.

Emergency Response

The crew managed to extinguish the fire and feather the propeller. However, they subsequently encountered controllability problems. The captain decided to ditch the aircraft a few kilometers offshore.

Ditching and Rescue

The aircraft came to rest in water and sank approximately 45 minutes after ditching. Two crew members were rescued, but the copilot drowned.

Probable Cause

Official findings determined that the probable cause was a fire or explosion in the number 3 engine during flight for undetermined reasons. Findings included that the aircraft came to rest in water and that the ditching followed an uncontrollable fire in engine number 3.

In-flight fire & smoke

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 28 Mar 1981 Douglas C-54 Skymaster accident near Christiansted-Henry E. Rohlsen (ex Alexander Hamilton), US Virgin Islands?

Following an engine fire after takeoff, a cargo flight ditched off Christiansted. The copilot drowned; two crew members were rescued. The aircraft sank 45 minutes later.

Were there any fatalities in the 28 Mar 1981 Douglas C-54 Skymaster accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 28 Mar 1981 involved a Douglas C-54 Skymaster, registration N98AS, operated by Caribbean Air Cargo, at Christiansted-Henry E. Rohlsen (ex Alexander Hamilton), US Virgin Islands.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Fire or explosion in n°3 engine in flight for undetermined reasons. Findings: Aircraft came to rest in water; Aircraft ditched following an uncontrollable fire in n°3 engine.

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