Accident Details
Shortly after takeoff from Kingston-Palisadoes Airport, a twin-engine aircraft was climbing to a height of 100–200 feet when it banked left, lost altitude, and crashed into the sea. One passenger was rescued, while 13 other occupants were killed.
Pilot and Aircraft Information
The pilot, Owen Roberts, was the owner of the company operating the aircraft. The international airport of George Town in the Cayman Islands was later renamed in his honor.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined that the probable cause of the accident was the failure of the port engine, which was due to the cracking of the Accessory Drive Gear. Additionally, the disaster was attributed to the pilot's failure to take precautionary steps upon hearing backfiring, which, to his knowledge, might or might not have been a warning of possible engine failure.