Accident Details
On May 25, 2010, at approximately 1830 eastern daylight time, a twin-engine Piper PA-23-250, registration N1526T, collided with power lines and crashed into the sea shortly after takeoff from South Bimini Airport in South Bimini, Bahamas. The aircraft was flying at a low altitude at the time of the accident. The pilot and one passenger were killed, and two individuals on the ground sustained serious injuries. The airplane suffered substantial damage.
Eyewitness Account
According to eyewitnesses, the aircraft took off from runway 09 and initiated a left turn toward North Bimini. Witnesses reported that the airplane was flying approximately 20 feet above the water when it made contact with two sets of power and phone lines. The impact severed the wings and sprayed fuel onto nearby treetops before the aircraft crashed into the sea. Witnesses described a fireball erupting after the initial contact with the power lines and trees, followed by a second fireball and explosion upon hitting additional trees. Two persons on the beach were caught in the path of the crash and suffered serious burns.
Investigation
The investigation is under the jurisdiction of the Bahamian Government. No further details regarding the cause of the accident have been released at this time.