On May 6, 1993, a Short 330 (registration VP-LVR) operated by Atlantic Air BVI was involved in an aviation accident near Tortola-Terrance B. Lettsome, British Virgin Islands during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The decision of the crew to abort the takeoff procedure because the aircraft behaviour was unsatisfactory was unfounded. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
Aircraft aborted takeoff at Tortola-Terrance B. Lettsome Airport, overran runway, and came to rest in sea. All 30 occupants evacuated safely. Aircraft damaged beyond repair.
Incident Overview
During the takeoff roll at Tortola-Terrance B. Lettsome Airport, the pilot-in-command assessed the aircraft's behavior as unsatisfactory and decided to abort the takeoff. Despite initiating emergency braking procedures, the aircraft was unable to stop within the remaining runway distance, overran the end of the runway, and came to rest in the sea. All 30 occupants evacuated safely, and the aircraft sustained damage beyond repair.
Official Findings
The investigation's probable cause states that the crew's decision to abort the takeoff was unfounded, as the aircraft's behavior was not indicative of a malfunction. No mechanical issues were found with the airplane. The crew misjudged the situation, leading to the aircraft entering an uncontrollable roll, which resulted in the overrun and subsequent damage.