NTSB Preliminary Report: Cargo Issues Suspected in Doomed Relief Flight to Jamaica

Preliminary Findings on Fatal Flight

• ✈️ A preliminary report by the NTSB has been released regarding the fatal crash of a plane carrying hurricane relief supplies from South Florida to Jamaica.
• 💔 The crash, which occurred in November, resulted in the deaths of the pilot and his daughter.

Cargo Loading and Weight Concerns

• 📦 Investigators indicate potential issues with the cargo loading and weight as a contributing factor.
• ⚠️ The report states the cargo was not officially weighed, although the pilot attempted to document the weight of individual boxes.
• 💺 A photograph taken before takeoff showed the cargo loaded unsecured throughout the cabin and on passenger seats, with the center aisle clear.

Flight and Crash Sequence

• 🛫 The plane, loaded with generators, tarps, electric tools, and flashlights, departed from Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport.
• 🔊 During an ascending right turn instructed by air traffic control, investigators heard heavy breathing and grunting sounds after the pilot acknowledged the instruction.
• 📉 The aircraft descended rapidly to approximately 1,500 feet and crashed within seconds, reportedly nosed down.

Additional Loading Details

• 🚢 Volunteers noted that 200 lb of cargo was already loaded onto the aircraft before they assisted.
• ⛽ Additionally, nearly 300 lb of fuel was added before takeoff.
• ⏳ A final ruling on the cause of the crash is pending and expected in a final report approximately one year from now.