Crash: Jet One Express CVLP at San Juan on Mar 15th 2012, engine trouble
By Simon Hradecky, created Thursday, Mar 15th 2012 16:24Z, last updated Thursday, Mar 15th 2012 16:58Z
A Jet One Express Convair CV-340, registration N153JR performing a freight flight callsign 153JR from San Juan (Puerto Rico) to Saint Maarten (Dutch Antilles) with 2 crew, was climbing out of San Juan's runway 10 and had just been handed over to departure when the crew declared emergency and requested an immediate return asking departure whether they would see any smoke from the aircraft, the controller reported seeing no smoke. The aircraft was cleared to land on runway 28, however did not reach the airport anymore and impacted lagoon La Torrecilla just east of the aerodrome at about 07:45L (11:45Z). Both pilots perished.
The aircraft wreckage with both occupants, the captain being the owner of the airline, was located at the bottom of the lake, depth about 30-50 feet (10-15 meters), divers are working to free the bodies from the wreckage.
Residents around the lagoon reported they got aware of the aircraft when it began to descend towards the waters, the aircraft was trailing smoke.
The aircraft was carrying 12,000 lbs (5.5 tons) of bread and other goods.
The airport reported the crew reported engine trouble.
Initially Authorities reported three people were on board of the aircraft.
Metars:
TJSJ 151256Z 09013KT 10SM FEW034 SCT075 26/17 A3010 RMK AO2 SLP191 T02610172
TJSJ 151210Z VRB04KT 10SM FEW030 SCT075 25/18 A3010 RMK AO2 "ACFT MSHP"
TJSJ 151156Z 12005KT 10SM FEW030 SCT075 24/18 A3009 RMK AO2 SLP188 70001 T02440183 10244 20222 52019
TJSJ 151056Z 00000KT 10SM FEW030 SCT060 22/18 A3008 RMK AO2 SLP183 T02220178
TJSJ 150956Z 00000KT 10SM FEW030 SCT070 23/18 A3005 RMK AO2 SLP174 T02280178
TJSJ 150856Z 00000KT 10SM SCT030 23/18 A3003 RMK AO2 SLP169 T02280178 55007