Occurrence Details
On 20 February 2021, at approximately 1:00 PM local EST, a Piper PA-28-140 aircraft, United States registration N75392, was involved in an accident shortly after departing Cat Cay Airport (MYCC), Bimini, Bahamas. The private flight had departed MYCC at around 12:45 PM EST, destined for Grand Bahama International Airport (MYGF), Freeport, Bahamas, with three persons on board: one crew and two passengers.
According to the pilot, while climbing through 400 feet mean sea level (MSL), the engine began to lose power. Moments later, a complete loss of power occurred. The pilot reported that troubleshooting was performed in an attempt to rectify the situation, including an attempted engine restart and following the aircraft manufacturer’s emergency procedures. These attempts were unsuccessful.
Ditching
After the failure to restart the engine, the pilot decided to position the aircraft toward shallower water for a ditching. The aircraft was subsequently ditched in shallow waters on the northwestern side of the island, approximately 0.63 miles from Cat Cay Airport.
Injuries and Damages
The three occupants sustained injuries as a result of the ditching. They were evaluated by a local physician after exiting the aircraft and were then airlifted to Freeport, Grand Bahama, for further medical attention.
Damage to the aircraft was confined to the propeller, the left and right wings (detached), the stabilator, and the underside of the fuselage.
Investigation
The weather at the time of the accident was reported as visual meteorological conditions (VMC) and was not a factor in the occurrence. A limited-scope investigation was conducted, and no safety recommendations were issued. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Authority (AAIA) of the Bahamas completed the investigation and published this occurrence bulletin.