Break fluid leakage resulted in the emergency plane at Palisadoes. Reports are the pilots recognised the issue shortly after departing. Emergency services were on standby but were not necessary as the passengers remained unharmed.

Published: Thursday, March 31, 1955

CARGO PLANE CRASH-LANDS AT PALISADOES

A TWO-ENGINE Ransa cargo plane on its way from Miami crash-landed at the Palisadoes beach yesterday morning at 1:53 and ended up about 15 yards from raging sea ,after careering across the airport roadway. The two pilots were unhurt.

The airport staff was alerted by air traffic Control, following a message from the plane that there was a serious leakage of the brake fluid and that a hazardous landing would have to be attempted.

The ambulance and fire brigade rushed to the runway, and there was tension when the plane failed to land on the first attempt.

Of Venezuelan registration, the plane was piloted by Captain Jones, who together with his co-pilot, Carlos Godoy, was complimented on their skill in landing the craft. Fourteen head of cattle on the plane escaped injury.

According to the story told to The Gleaner, the pilots realised soon after leaving Miami that the brake fluid was leaking out. He however, continued the flight, and on reaching near Jamaica they communicated with the Palisadoes control tower.

The various emergency stations at the airport were notified and everything was prepared for a crash-landing. The airport fire brigade and ambulance took up positions, and special constables blocked that strip of the Palisadoes road which runs nearby the runway.

By this time the lights of the plane could be seen clearly as it circled the airport. It made an attempt to land, but failed on the first occasion. It made a second try and after touching down, the disabled craft skidded practically the whole length of the 5,300-foot–long runway. then it swerved across the road, and was heading straight for the sea when it made a 90-degree turn and came to rest with its giant wheels buried deeply in the sand.

The nose, propellers, and wheels were damaged.

Local agents for the plane are Cox Brothers, travel agents located on East Street.

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