On November 17, 1986, a Douglas DC-6 (registration HI-251) operated by Carga Aérea Dominicana was involved in an aviation accident near Congo Town, Bahamas during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: It was determined that a fuel valve failed in flight, causing the fuel to be transferred to a tank that was not used by the crew. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
A cargo aircraft suffered an engine failure en route, leading to a diversion to Congo Town Airport where it overran the runway. The three crew members escaped uninjured, but the aircraft was damaged beyond repair. Investigators determined a fuel valve failure caused fuel transfer to an unused tank.
Incident Overview
A cargo flight operating in the Caribbean experienced an engine failure during cruise. The crew suspected fuel exhaustion and decided to divert to Congo Town Airport for an emergency landing. Upon touchdown, the aircraft could not stop within the remaining runway distance, overran the end, and came to rest. All three crew members evacuated without injury, while the aircraft sustained damage beyond repair.
Investigation Findings
The official investigation concluded that the engine failure was precipitated by a malfunctioning fuel valve. This valve allowed fuel to be transferred to a tank that was not being used by the crew, leading to fuel starvation of the engines. No other causal factors were identified.
Aftermath
No injuries were reported among the crew. The aircraft was declared a total loss due to the extensive damage incurred during the overrun.
Probable cause
It was determined that a fuel valve failed in flight, causing the fuel to be transferred to a tank that was not used by the crew.