Occurrence Summary
On December 31, 2022, at approximately 11:23 am EST (1623 UTC), a Piper PA-31-350 aircraft, United States registration N42HD, was operating a commercial flight from Rock Sound International Airport (MYER), Eleuthera, Bahamas, to Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport (KFXE), Florida, USA. On board were one crew member and seven passengers. While en route, the pilot in command observed a significant loss of oil pressure in the right engine. He executed the appropriate emergency procedures and decided to divert to Lynden Pindling International Airport (MYNN) in Nassau, Bahamas. The pilot contacted air traffic control to advise of the situation. The aircraft landed safely at MYNN without further incident. No injuries were reported.
Aircraft and Operational Details
The aircraft involved was a 1980 Piper PA-31-350, serial number 31-8152031, powered by two Lycoming TIO-540 series engines. It was operating under commercial operations. The pilot held an Airline Transport Pilot license.
Weather and Investigation
The weather at the time of the occurrence was Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC) and was not considered a factor. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Authority (AAIA) of the Bahamas conducted a limited scope investigation into this serious incident. No safety recommendations were issued. The damage to the aircraft was reported as none.
Conclusion
The occurrence was classified as a System Component Failure or malfunction (power-plant) and a serious incident. The AAIA's investigation did not assign a probable cause, and no safety recommendations were made.