What happened
During a cargo transport mission bound for Miami, an aircraft experienced a critical failure shortly after departing from Christiansted-Henry E. Rohlsen Airport. While the flight was in its initial climb phase, the crew reported that the number three engine had ignited. In response to the emergency, air traffic control authorized the flight to return to the airfield.
Although the crew managed to suppress the flames and feather the propeller of the affected engine, the aircraft began experiencing significant issues with controllability. Due to these deteriorating conditions, the captain made the decision to ditch the aircraft in the ocean a few kilometers from the coast. During the incident, the crew faced a tragic outcome: two crew members were successfully rescued from the scene, but the copilot drowned. The wreckage subsequently submerged approximately 45 minutes after the ditching.
Findings
Investigations into the accident focused on the engine failure and the subsequent loss of flight stability. It was determined that an uncontrollable fire in the number three engine led to the loss of control, ultimately forcing the crew to abandon the flight via a water landing.