On October 26, 1981, a Lockheed L-749 Constellation (registration HI-328) operated by Aerolineas Argo was involved in an aviation accident near Charlotte Amalie-Cyril E. King (ex Harry S. Truman), US Virgin Islands during landing or approach. 3 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Collision with water on final approach after the pilot-in-command misjudged altitude and clearance. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 5 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A four-engine cargo aircraft on a night visual approach to Charlotte Amalie executed a 360° turn to avoid traffic, lost altitude, and crashed into the sea two miles short of runway 09. Two passengers were injured and all three crew members were killed.
Accident
On a night visual approach to runway 09 at Charlotte Amalie-Harry S. Truman Airport, a four-engine cargo airplane conducting a flight from Christiansted to Charlotte Amalie performed a 360° turn to avoid other traffic. During this maneuver, the aircraft lost altitude and crashed into the sea approximately two miles short of the runway threshold. The aircraft was carrying two passengers and three crew members. Both passengers sustained injuries, while all three crew members were killed.
Investigation
Official investigation findings identified the probable cause of the accident as a collision with water on final approach after the pilot-in-command misjudged altitude and clearance. No additional causal or contributing factors were specified in the official report.