Investigation Summary
The aircraft was operating a scheduled cargo flight between the U.S. Virgin Islands. Shortly after lifting off from Runway 09, the left engine suffered a mechanical failure. The pilot reported the emergency to the tower and attempted to return to the airport. However, the aircraft was loaded near its maximum capacity, and the drag from the failed engine, combined with the low altitude of the initial climb, made it impossible to maintain level flight. The aircraft entered a left-hand turn, lost airspeed, and stalled before crashing into the Caribbean Sea approximately 1.5 miles from the runway end. All four occupants, including the pilot and three passengers who were not authorized to be on the cargo flight, were killed.
Final Conclusions
The NTSB determined the probable cause of the accident was the pilot's failure to feather the propeller of the malfunctioning left engine, which resulted in excessive drag. This drag, compounded by the aircraft being loaded near its maximum gross weight with three unauthorized passengers, prevented the aircraft from maintaining level flight or climbing on a single engine. The investigation highlighted that the aircraft's performance margins were insufficient to overcome the aerodynamic penalties of the unfeathered propeller at the low altitude and airspeed following takeoff.
Video Analysis
No video analysis linked for this case file yet.
Airframe & Maintenance
Systems & Failure Modes
Pratt & Whitney R-985 Engine
The radial engines powering the Beechcraft 18; the left unit suffered an internal mechanical failure shortly after takeoff.
Propeller Feathering System
A system designed to turn propeller blades parallel to the airflow to reduce drag after an engine failure; it was not successfully utilized in this event.
Interesting Facts
- 01The flight was officially designated as a cargo-only operation.
- 02Three unauthorized passengers were on board the aircraft at the time of the crash.
- 03The left engine propeller was not found in the feathered position.
- 04The aircraft was destroyed by impact forces and subsequent immersion in salt water.
Safety Actions & Advisories
Cargo Flight Passenger Enforcement
The FAA increased surveillance of Part 135 cargo operators in the Caribbean region to ensure compliance with passenger carriage restrictions.
Location
APPROXIMATE POSITION · AIRPORT LEVEL · Coordinates are the estimate published in the official investigation report. The ring shows the accuracy the record supports, not the point of impact.