What happened
On September 15, 2025, a Douglas DC-3C-R-1830-90C cargo aircraft, registered N271SE, was involved in a serious incident during takeoff from West End International Airport in Grand Bahama. The aircraft had arrived from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, earlier that day and was prepared for a return flight under visual flight rules.
During the takeoff roll, the pilot-in-command successfully raised the tailwheel. However, as the aircraft approached its decision speed (V1), it began to drift toward the left side of the runway. Despite efforts by the flight crew to correct the path, the aircraft could not be maintained on the centerline. The plane exited the left side of the runway and came to rest in vegetation adjacent to the airfield. The crew followed emergency protocols, securing the engines and evacuating the aircraft safely.
The investigation
The investigation examined the aircraft's weight and balance, noting that the combined weight of the 6,900-pound cargo, fuel, and two crew members was within the certified maximum takeoff mass. Investigators also reviewed the aircraft's condition and the environmental factors at the time of the event, which included calm winds and clear visibility.
Physical inspections of N271SE identified significant damage to several components, including the left wingtip, the leading edge, the aileron, the elevator, and the stabilizer tip. The nose cone also sustained impact damage, and the forward fuselage showed minor deformation. Regarding the crew, the two flight members sustained forearm abrasions but received medical treatment for their injuries.
Findings
- The aircraft experienced a loss of directional control shortly before reaching decision speed.
- The takeoff was conducted under calm wind conditions and within the aircraft's certified weight limits.
- The incident resulted in major damage to the aircraft's structural components.