Flight Details
The aircraft, a Cessna 172 registered 6Y-JGT, departed Tinson Pen at approximately 0703 hours local time on May 30, 1996, on a training flight to Ken Jones Aerodrome via Annotto Bay and Buff Bay. The flight plan was prepared by the student pilot and checked by the instructor. The planned heading from Tinson Pen to Annotto Bay was 014 degrees, comprising track 007 degrees, drift 3 degrees, and magnetic variation 4 degrees.
Accident Sequence
After takeoff from runway 32, the student pilot reported airborne to Manley Tower and was instructed to clear the northern boundary. The pilot turned right toward the hills, aiming for what was believed to be Stony Hill. By 0707 hours, the aircraft had leveled at 2,500 feet and was passing over the Oakland area (Constant Spring Road). The pilot then entered a narrow valley between two hills. Attempts to turn out of the confined area were unsuccessful; full power was applied, but the pilot realized the aircraft could stall. A cleared area appeared on the left, but as the aircraft descended, the starboard wing struck a pine tree estimated 50 feet above the ground, severing the treetop. The aircraft then descended uncontrollably, destroying several young trees before coming to rest with the fuselage pointing down the mountainside. The pilot switched off the master switch and magnetos before impact.
Investigation Findings
The aircraft was found to be 6 to 7 miles off the planned track to Annotto Bay, with an actual heading of 62 degrees versus the planned 014 degrees—a deviation of 48 degrees. The investigation noted that weather was not a factor, and there was no evidence of compass malfunction. No explanation was provided for the significant off-track distance.