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2 fatalities

Disappearance of Twin-Engine Aircraft in the Caribbean Sea (N689WW)

Caribbean Sea, WorldFlight

On July 18, 1978, a Piper PA-31-310 Navajo (registration N689WW) operated by Latimer W. Spinney was involved in an aviation accident near Caribbean Sea, World in flight. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Due to lack of evidences, the cause of the accident could not be determined. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary report: the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive (1962-1981)Updated 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

A twin-engine aircraft vanished from radar while en route from Santa Marta to Port-au-Prince, crashing into the Caribbean Sea. The aircraft and its two occupants were never recovered, and the cause remains undetermined.

Incident Overview and Search Efforts A twin-engine aircraft disappeared from radar screens while operating en route from Santa Marta to Port-au-Prince. The aircraft subsequently crashed into the Caribbean Sea under unknown circumstances. Despite the loss of the aircraft, neither the wreckage nor the two occupants were ever found. ## Official Investigation Findings The official investigation concluded that the cause of the accident could not be determined. This finding was attributed to a lack of available evidence, as the aircraft and its occupants were never recovered to provide physical or operational data for analysis.

Probable cause

Due to lack of evidences, the cause of the accident could not be determined.

Related events

Same aircraft family

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 18 Jul 1978 Piper PA-31-310 Navajo accident near Caribbean Sea, World?

A twin-engine aircraft vanished from radar while en route from Santa Marta to Port-au-Prince, crashing into the Caribbean Sea. The aircraft and its two occupants were never recovered, and the cause remains undetermined.

Were there any fatalities in the 18 Jul 1978 Piper PA-31-310 Navajo accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 18 Jul 1978 involved a Piper PA-31-310 Navajo, registration N689WW, operated by Latimer W. Spinney, at Caribbean Sea, World.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Due to lack of evidences, the cause of the accident could not be determined.

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