Private Pilot Collides with Atlantic Ocean Near Freeport

Casualties unknown • Atlantic Ocean, AO, BF

A non-instrument rated private pilot flew into severe thunderstorms and crashed into the Atlantic Ocean near Freeport, Bahamas, resulting in fatalities.

What happened

A private pilot operating without instrument ratings encountered level 4 thunderstorms while flying over the Atlantic Ocean. The aircraft collided with the water approximately 15 miles west of Freeport, Bahamas. According to the Miami Air Route Traffic Control Center, the airplane was maintaining a cruise altitude of 4700 feet when radio and radar contact was lost. There are no records indicating that the pilot received any weather briefings from the Federal Aviation Administration prior to the accident.

The investigation

Following the loss of contact, a search operation was conducted for the missing aircraft. The Coast Guard recovered three occupants and approximately 300 pounds of aircraft wreckage and debris from the ocean.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2002-07-20 Piper PA-32RT-300 accident near Atlantic Ocean, AO, BF?

A non-instrument rated private pilot flew into severe thunderstorms and crashed into the Atlantic Ocean near Freeport, Bahamas, resulting in fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2002-07-20 involved a Piper PA-32RT-300, registration N9738C, at Atlantic Ocean, AO, BF.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot continued VFR flight into IMC and thunderstorm conditions which resulted in spatial disorientation and subsequent loss of control of the airplane.

Loading the flight search…