1953-04-10: Lockheed 18 LodeStar (VP-JBC) — Caribbean International Airways — Kingston, Jamaica

13 fatalitiesKingston, JamaicaTakeoff (climb)

A twin-engine aircraft crashed into the sea shortly after departing Kingston-Palisadoes Airport, resulting in 13 fatalities.

What happened

During the initial climb phase from Kingston-Palisadoes Airport, a twin engine aircraft experienced a sudden loss of altitude. While ascending to an estimated height between 100 and 200 feet, the plane entered a left bank before impacting the ocean surface. The accident resulted in 13 fatalities, though one passenger was successfully rescued from the wreckage.

Findings

Investigations into the crash identified a mechanical failure within the port engine. Specifically, the cracking of the Accessory Drive Gear led to the engine's malfunction. Additionally, the investigation concluded that the pilot did not implement necessary precautionary measures after hearing backfiring sounds, which may have served as an indication of the impending engine failure.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by a failure in the port engine due to a cracked accessory drive gear, compounded by the pilot's failure to react to audible warnings of engine distress.