N14478

On August 26, 1979 at 04:50 AM, N14478 experienced a crash involving Convair CV-440 Metropolitan, operated by Cornerstone Construction, with the event recorded near San Juan-Luis Muñoz Marín (Isla Verde) All Puerto Rico.

The flight was categorized as illegal (smuggling) and the reported phase was landing (descent or approach) at a airport (less than 10 km from airport) crash site.

3 people were known to be on board, 0 fatalities were recorded, 3 survivors were identified or estimated. This corresponds to an estimated fatality rate of 0.0%.

Crew on board: 2, crew fatalities: 0, passengers on board: 1, passenger fatalities: 0, other fatalities: 0.

The listed crash cause is technical failure. On approach to San Juan-Isla Verde Airport, the right main landing failed to extend. The captain decided to complete two touch-and-go but the right main gear remained blocked in its wheel well. The decision to complete a belly landing was taken. After landing on runway 10, the airplane slid for few dozen meters before coming to rest. All three occupants escaped the scene and were not recovered. It was later reported that parts of the right main gear and the outboard five feet from the right horizontal stabilizer were missing.

Aircraft reference details include registration N14478, MSN 103, year of manufacture 1953.