3 fatalities

Search Terminated for Missing Airplane After Pilot Reports Generator Problem (N50GV)

Caribbean Sea, WorldFlight

On May 2, 1996, a Rockwell Aero Commander 500 (registration N50GV) operated by Domtrav Airways was involved in an aviation accident near Caribbean Sea, World in flight. 3 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The exact cause of the accident could not be determined. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary report: the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archiveUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot on a VFR flight reported a generator problem minutes after takeoff and failed to arrive at either of two planned airports. Despite a search involving shipping vessels, no trace was found and the search was terminated.

Incident

On a VFR flight, a pilot departed behind another company airplane. Approximately five minutes after takeoff, the pilot informed the pilot of the lead airplane that he was experiencing a generator problem and stated he would monitor the situation. The lead airplane subsequently landed at a different airport, where it waited for the pilot after dropping off passengers at another airport. The pilot did not arrive at either airport.

Search

All shipping vessels along the airplane's expected course were requested to report any sightings. No contact with the pilot or the airplane was reported, and the search was ultimately terminated.

Findings

Aircraft damage and injuries are presumed. The exact cause of the accident could not be determined.

Probable cause

The exact cause of the accident could not be determined.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2 May 1996 Rockwell Aero Commander 500 accident near Caribbean Sea, World?

A pilot on a VFR flight reported a generator problem minutes after takeoff and failed to arrive at either of two planned airports. Despite a search involving shipping vessels, no trace was found and the search was terminated.

Were there any fatalities in the 2 May 1996 Rockwell Aero Commander 500 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 3 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2 May 1996 involved a Rockwell Aero Commander 500, registration N50GV, operated by Domtrav Airways, at Caribbean Sea, World.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The exact cause of the accident could not be determined.