History of Flight
On 17 February 2024 at approximately 4:40 pm local time (2140 UTC), a Cessna 402C with Bahamas registration C6-JTJ, operated by Blessings Aviation, impacted the perimeter fencing at Lynden Pindling International Airport (MYNN), Nassau, Bahamas. The aircraft came into contact with the ground and burst into flames shortly after attempting to take off from runway 14. The pilot in command was the sole occupant.
The flight was for commercial purposes, destined for Fresh Creek Airport (MYAF), Fresh Creek, Andros, Bahamas. The pilot reported that upon contacting Nassau air traffic control, he requested a runway 14 departure from taxiway Bravo, but his request was denied. He subsequently requested departure from taxiway Lima, which was granted. After receiving takeoff clearance, the pilot entered the active runway and backtracked for additional room before commencing the takeoff roll.
After adding takeoff power and accelerating, the pilot observed the left manifold pressure dropping and the aircraft began to pull to the left. He added additional power to the right engine and continued the takeoff roll. After achieving some lift, the pilot reported that the aircraft stalled and was unable to clear the inner layer of perimeter fencing, approximately 12 feet high and 820 feet from the approach end of runway 32 threshold. The aircraft impacted the inner fence, hit the surface, and traveled 57 feet on a heading of about 123° before striking the outer perimeter fence. The trajectory continued for an additional 216 feet, sliding across Coral Harbour Road before coming to rest in a swampy area.
The pilot observed flames from the left side shortly after coming to rest and exited the aircraft, receiving burns to his face during the evacuation. After vacating the area, he observed an explosion and the aircraft continued to burn. Nassau Air Traffic Control alerted the Royal Bahamas Police Force and Airport Rescue & Fire Fighting (ARFF) services. ARFF responded with three fire trucks and extinguished the flames. The pilot was taken by ambulance for medical attention for facial burns. The aircraft was destroyed by fire.
Injuries to Persons
The pilot sustained minor injuries (burns to the face). No other occupants were on board. No fatalities or serious injuries were reported.
Aircraft Information
The accident aircraft was a Cessna 402C, serial number 402C-0648, registered to Blessings Aviation Ltd. It was a twin-engine, normal category airplane powered by two Continental TSIO-520-VB engines, equipped with McCauley 34F32C-500 Series propellers. The last recorded engine times were 831.3 hours since major overhaul for the left engine (serial 811059-R) and 1334.8 hours for the right engine (serial 1036912), as of February 15, 2024. The propellers had 1246.9 hours service time each. The airframe total time was 7790.7 hours on February 15, 2024. Maintenance records showed compliance with manufacturers' manuals and Civil Aviation Authority Bahamas regulations.
Aerodrome Information
Lynden Pindling International Airport (MYNN) is the main airport in the Bahamas, located on New Providence Island. The accident occurred during takeoff from runway 14. The perimeter fencing comprised an inner layer approximately 12 feet high and an outer layer. The aircraft impacted the inner fence at a distance of about 820 feet from the approach end of runway 32 threshold.