AVIATION/ DIVI DIVI ISLANDER RECOVERED

Officials in Curacao reported yesterday that the wreckage of the DIVI DIVI AIR BN 2A Islander, that crashed off the coast of Bonaire on October 22, 2009, had been recovered. The Pilot, who was missing and presumed dead, was found in the wreckage, still strapped into his seat. The wreckage of the Islander will be moved to Curacao, and will be used by investigators from the Netherlands Antilles Directorate of Civil Aviation in their search for the cause of the crash. On October 22, Flight 14 was on service from Curacao to Bonaire, with 9 passengers and the Pilot onboard. As the aircraft neared Bonaire, the No.2 engine failed and the Islander began to lose height. Unable to reach land, the Pilot declared an emergency and ditched the aircraft in the waters off Bonaire, with considerable force. The Pilot struck his head on the windshield and was knocked unconscious. The Passengers attempted to undo the Pilot's seatbelt, however the aircraft began to sink, and they had to exit the Islander. Emergency responders were on the scene quickly, and all 9 passengers were rescued without injury. However, by the time they arrived, the Islander was already under water.