Occurrence Details
On January 9, 2023, at approximately 3:30 pm EST (2030 UTC), a Piper PA-31-350 aircraft with United States registration N35584 was involved in an accident while landing at Staniel Cay Airport (MYES), Staniel Cay, Exuma, Bahamas. The commercial flight had departed from Norman’s Cay Airport (MYEN), Norman’s Cay, Exuma, Bahamas with two persons on board—one crew member and one passenger.
Aircraft and Flight Information
The aircraft, a twin-engine Piper PA-31-350, serial number 31-8052076, was manufactured in 1980. It was powered by two Lycoming TIO 540 SER engines. The flight was conducted under commercial operations. The pilot reported that during the approach to Staniel Cay Airport, the landing gear handle was selected to the down position. However, he did not confirm whether a landing gear safe indication was displayed. Subsequently, the aircraft was landed without the landing gear extended.
Damage and Injuries
The aircraft’s propellers and the underside of the fuselage came into contact with the runway surface, resulting in damage to those areas. No injuries were reported among the occupants. The weather at the time of the occurrence was Visual Meteorological Conditions and was not considered a factor in the accident.
Investigation
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Authority (AAIA) conducted a limited scope investigation into this occurrence. The AAIA did not issue any safety recommendations as part of this investigation.