Accident
On October 5, 2010, about 1236 Atlantic standard time, a Cessna 402C, Bahamian registration C6-NLH, operated by Lebocruise Air Limited, crashed into Lake Killarney shortly after takeoff from the Lynden Pindling International Airport (MYNN) in Nassau, Bahamas. The airplane was on a non-U.S., non-commercial flight from MYNN to the San Salvador Airport (MYSM), Cockburn Town, Bahamas. A visual flight rules (VFR) flight plan was filed, and visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident.
Flight Sequence
The flight originated at about 1233 from MYNN. The pilot was cleared to takeoff from runway 14. According to a pilot of an airplane waiting to takeoff behind the accident airplane, white colored smoke was observed trailing the left engine during takeoff. The tower controller reportedly informed the accident pilot of the smoke, and the accident pilot stated to the controller that he needed to return to the airport and requested runway 27. While returning to the airport, a pilot-rated witness reported seeing the airplane in a “hard over” bank to the left followed by the airplane pitching nose down. The airplane crashed into the lake approximately 1,000 feet abeam the approach threshold of runway 32.
Damage and Casualties
The airplane sustained substantial damage. The certificated commercial pilot, co-pilot, and 7 passengers were killed. No other injuries were reported.
Investigation
The investigation is under the jurisdiction of the Government of the Bahamas. Further information may be obtained from the Manager of Flight Standards Inspectorate, Bahamas.