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May 2, 1996 · Aero Commander 500-B · N50GV

Missing

Overview

Report Status
Factual report
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 2, 1996
Injury Outcomes
3 injuries (3 fatalities)
Location
Missing
Aircraft
Aero Commander 500-B
Tail Number
N50GV
Operator
Bernadette Pringle
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
ATL96FAMS1

The pilot departed on a VFR flight behind another company airplane. About 5 minutes after takeoff, the pilot informed the pilot in the lead airplane that he was having a generator problem, and that he would monitor them. The lead airplane landed at a different airport, and waited for the other pilot to join him after dropping off his passengers at another airport. The pilot did not arrive at either airport. All shipping vessels along the airplane's expected course were requested to report any sightings. No contact was reported and the search was terminated. Aircraft damage and injuries are presumed.

Full Narrative

On May 2, 1996, at an undetermined time, an Aero Commander 500-B, N50GV, became missing, and is assumed destroyed, while over the Caribbean Sea. The airline transport pilot, and both passengers are missing, and presumed fatally injured. The airplane was being operated under the provision of Title 14 CFR Part 135 by Domtrav Airways of St. Croix, Virgin Islands. Visual meteorological conditions existed at the time, and a visual flight rules (VFR) flight plan had been filed for the flight. The flight departed St. Croix at about 0821, and was destined for Dominica. Company personnel stated that the missing airplane departed immediately after another company airplane (N95HM). They stated that both aircraft were flying the same route of flight to Dominica, but were landing at different airports on the island. The pilot of N95HM talked the pilot of the missing airplane about 5 minutes after departure. The pilot of the missing airplane informed the pilot of N95HM that the airplane was having generator problems, and that he would continue to monitor them. The pilot of N95HM canceled the VFR flight plans for both aircraft upon reaching the Guadeloupe Boundary at 0856. He continued to Melville Hall, Dominica, arriving at about 0935, and waited for N50GV. After waiting about 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 hours for N50GV to arrive, a telephone and ramp search was initiated with negative results. An aerial search was initiated by N95HM at 1500 with negative results. A search was initiated by the United States Coast Guard on May 3, 1996. All shipping vessels located along N50GV flight course in the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea were requested to look for the overdue airplane, and to report any sightings. No sightings were reported. The search was terminated on May 4, 1996. Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite Data was reviewed by the NTSB Meteorologist. The images indicate scattered clouds were present along the route from St. Croix, Virgin Islands, to Canfield Airport in Dominica. There was no significant convective activity. Review of continuous data recording (CDR) generated by San Juan Combined Enroute Radar Approach, revealed no discrete radar targets that could be attributed to N50GV.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time04:00 UTC
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Aircraft FireUnknown
Aircraft ExplosionUnknown

Aircraft

AircraftAero Commander 500-B
Tail NumberN50GV
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
OperatorBernadette Pringle
Operating RulePart 135
Engines2
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-540-E1B5 · Reciprocating · 290
Seats7

People & Injuries

Injury Summary3 injuries (3 fatalities)
Fatal3
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total3
Crew 1Age 42 · First Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind70° @ 12 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point66 F
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time15:49
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data