No fatalities

1992-02-03: Douglas C-54 Skymaster (N74AF) — West Indies Air Transport — Aguadilla, Puerto Rico

Aguadilla, Puerto RicoTaxiing

On February 3, 1992, a Douglas C-54 Skymaster (registration N74AF) operated by West Indies Air Transport was involved in an aviation accident near Aguadilla, Puerto Rico while taxiing. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Loss of control during taxiing following hydraulic problems. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781211298Data APIEditorial standards

A C-54 aircraft experienced hydraulic problems while taxiing, collided with a parked Lockheed L-1049H Super Constellation, and came to rest in a ditch. The pilot was uninjured; both aircraft were damaged beyond repair.

Incident Overview

A ground collision occurred at Aguadilla Airport involving two aircraft. The incident took place while a pilot, who was the sole occupant, was transferring a C-54 aircraft between parking spaces. During the taxi maneuver, hydraulic problems developed, leading to a loss of control.

Sequence of Events

The C-54 was proceeding along a taxiway when the pilot encountered hydraulic difficulties. The loss of control caused the aircraft to veer and collide with a stationary Lockheed L-1049H Super Constellation, registered HI-542CT. This Super Constellation was operated by Aerolineas Mundo (AMSA). After the impact, the C-54 continued moving and eventually came to rest in a ditch adjacent to the taxiway.

Damage and Injuries

The pilot of the C-54 was uninjured in the accident. However, both the C-54 and the parked Lockheed L-1049H Super Constellation sustained substantial damage. The damage was so extensive that neither aircraft was repairable, resulting in their write-off.

Probable Cause

The official investigation determined that the probable cause of the accident was a loss of control during taxiing following hydraulic problems.