2 fatalities

Controlled Flight into Terrain on La Soufrière (8P-AAC)

Pointe-à-Pitre, GuadeloupeLanding (descent or approach)

On September 9, 1971, a Douglas DC-3 (registration 8P-AAC) operated by Carib West Airways was involved in an aviation accident near Pointe-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe during landing or approach. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The accident was the consequence of a controlled flight into terrain. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

While descending at night, the crew failed to maintain sufficient altitude, struck trees, stalled, and crashed on the volcano La Soufrière, killing both pilots.

Incident Overview

The flight departed from Port of Spain for an unspecified reason and was delayed. En route, the crew was informed that the airport at Marigot was closed to traffic. The captain decided to divert to Pointe-à-Pitre-Le Raizet Airport.

Descent and Collision

While descending during night conditions, the crew failed to realize that the aircraft's altitude was insufficient. The airplane struck trees, stalled, and subsequently crashed in a dense wooded area located on the volcano La Soufrière, approximately 25 kilometers southwest of Pointe-à-Pitre.

Fatalities

Both pilots were killed in the accident.

Probable Cause

The official investigation determined that the accident was the consequence of a controlled flight into terrain.