Cargo aircraft crash during approach near Kingston, Jamaica

2 fatalities • Kingston-Norman Manley (Palisadoes), Jamaica • Landing (descent or approach)

A four-engine cargo flight operating from Florida to Jamaica crashed into shallow water during its second landing attempt, resulting in two fatalities.

What happened

A cargo operation traveling from Gainesville, Florida, to Kingston, Jamaica, ended in an accident when a four-engine airplane struck the water during an approach. The aircraft was transporting a shipment of eggs along with four people on board.

During the initial attempt to land, the flight crew found themselves too high on the glide path. In response, the captain decided to abort the landing and performed a go-around. A few minutes later, while attempting a second approach, the aircraft descended too low and impacted the water surface approximately 1,500 meters before reaching the runway. The plane came to rest in shallow water, at a depth of roughly 10 feet.

The impact resulted in two fatalities and left two other occupants with serious injuries.

Findings

  • The aircraft was operating on a cargo mission from Florida to Jamaica.
  • An initial approach was abandoned due to an excessive glide path height.
  • The subsequent landing attempt failed because the aircraft was too low on the approach.

Probable cause

The aircraft struck the water during its second landing attempt after descending below the required altitude.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1979-07-20 Douglas DC-6 accident near Kingston-Norman Manley (Palisadoes), Jamaica?

A four-engine cargo flight operating from Florida to Jamaica crashed into shallow water during its second landing attempt, resulting in two fatalities.

Were there any fatalities in the 1979-07-20 Douglas DC-6 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1979-07-20 involved a Douglas DC-6, registration N43865, operated by Kimex, at Kingston-Norman Manley (Palisadoes), Jamaica.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft struck the water during its second landing attempt after descending below the required altitude.

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