Status:	Final
Date:	02 AUG 1984
Time:	08:05
Type:	Britten-Norman BN-2A Islander
Operator:	Vieques Air Link
Registration:	N589SA
C/n / msn:	38
First flight:	1968
Engines:	2 Lycoming O-540-E4C5
Crew:	Fatalities: 1 / Occupants: 1
Passengers:	Fatalities: 8 / Occupants: 8
Total:	Fatalities: 9 / Occupants: 9
Airplane damage:	Written off
Airplane fate:	Written off (damaged beyond repair)
Location:	off Vieques (Puerto Rico)
Phase:	Initial climb (ICL)
Nature:	International Scheduled Passenger
Departure airport:	Vieques Airport (VQS/TJCG), Puerto Rico
Destination airport:	Saint Croix-Alexander Hamilton Airport (STX/TISX), U.S. Virgin Islands

Narrative:
The Islander was overloaded by 600-700 pounds when it departed Vieques. Also, it's centre of gravity was up to 5 inches behind the aft limit. After takeoff the left engine lost power. It lost altitude, banked abruptly to the left, nosed down and crashed into the ocean. It appeared that the fuel had been contaminated with water.

PROBABLE CAUSE:
emergency procedure - improper - pilot in command
airspeed(Vmc) - not maintained - pilot in command
CONTRIBUTING FACTORS:
procedures/directives - not followed - company/operator management
inadequate surveillance of operation - faa(organization)
qualification - pilot in command
aircraft weight and balance - improper - pilot in command
maintenance,service of aircraft/equipment - improper - ground personnel
aircraft preflight - inadequate - pilot in command
lack of total experience in kind of aircraft - pilot in command
fluid,fuel - water
inadequate training - company/operator management

Sources:
» BAAA-ACRO
» NTSB
» Thomas Brügge
» World Directory of Airliner Crashes