Engine failure and ditching of aircraft near Sint Maarten

No fatalities • Sint Maarten, Dutch Antilles • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft experienced a simultaneous dual engine failure during its descent to Sint Maarten, resulting in an emergency ditching offshore.

What happened

During the descent toward Sint Maarten Island, the flight crew encountered a critical situation when both engines ceased functioning at the same time. Following this loss of power, an emergency was declared by the pilot. To manage the situation, the captain decided to perform an emergency ditching in the ocean, approximately 32 km away from the coast.

Following the impact with the water, all three occupants were successfully recovered by coast guard units. While no lives were lost during the rescue operation, the aircraft subsequently sank into the sea and is currently considered lost.

Findings

Investigations into the incident determined that the primary reason for the accident was a double engine failure. This loss of power was attributed to a state of fuel starvation within the engines, although the specific underlying reason why the fuel starvation occurred remains undetermined.

Probable cause

The simultaneous failure of both engines was caused by fuel starvation.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1971-10-02 Douglas DC-3 accident near Sint Maarten, Dutch Antilles?

An aircraft experienced a simultaneous dual engine failure during its descent to Sint Maarten, resulting in an emergency ditching offshore.

Were there any fatalities in the 1971-10-02 Douglas DC-3 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1971-10-02 involved a Douglas DC-3, registration N1981W, operated by Island Gem Enterprises, at Sint Maarten, Dutch Antilles.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The simultaneous failure of both engines was caused by fuel starvation.

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