Aircraft crash during night approach at Charlotte Amalie

3 fatalities • Charlotte Amalie-Cyril E. King (ex Harry S. Truman), US Virgin Islands • Landing (descent or approach)

A four-engine cargo aircraft crashed into the sea during a night visual approach to Charlotte Amalie-Harry S. Truman Airport, resulting in three fatalities.

What happened

A cargo flight traveling from Christiansted to Charlotte Amalie ended in a fatal accident during its final approach to runway 09 at Charlotte Amalie-Harry S. Truman Airport. The four-engine aircraft was operating a night visual approach when the pilot performed a 360-degree maneuver intended to avoid other traffic. During this turn, the plane experienced a loss of altitude and struck the ocean surface approximately two miles before reaching the runway threshold.

The flight was carrying a total of five people, including three crew members and two passengers. The accident resulted in three fatalities among the crew, while both passengers sustained injuries during the impact.

Probable cause

The pilot miscalculated the plane's height and available space while attempting to avoid traffic on approach.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1981-10-26 Lockheed L-749 Constellation accident near Charlotte Amalie-Cyril E. King (ex Harry S. Truman), US Virgin Islands?

A four-engine cargo aircraft crashed into the sea during a night visual approach to Charlotte Amalie-Harry S. Truman Airport, resulting in three fatalities.

Were there any fatalities in the 1981-10-26 Lockheed L-749 Constellation accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 3 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1981-10-26 involved a Lockheed L-749 Constellation, registration HI-328, operated by Aerolineas Argo, at Charlotte Amalie-Cyril E. King (ex Harry S. Truman), US Virgin Islands.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot miscalculated the plane's height and available space while attempting to avoid traffic on approach.

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