Accident Narrative
On September 15, 2025, at approximately 2:30 p.m. local time (1830 UTC), a Douglas DC-3C-R-1830-90C aircraft, with United States registration N271SE, operated by Florida Air Cargo, experienced an occurrence during take-off from West End International Airport (MYGW), West End, Grand Bahama, Bahamas. Earlier that morning, the aircraft had departed from Fort Lauderdale International Airport (KFLL), Florida, at around 10:00 a.m. local time (1400 UTC) and landed uneventfully at MYGW about 40 minutes later with an estimated fuel quantity of 1,650 pounds. During a four-hour layover, the first officer reported that the aircraft was loaded with approximately 6,900 pounds of cargo in accordance with company loading procedures. The combined cargo and fuel weight, along with the two flight crew members on board, were within the certified maximum take-off mass of 26,900 pounds prescribed for this aircraft.
Following a satisfactory pre-flight inspection, the aircraft taxied onto the runway where the pilot-in-command commenced the take-off roll under calm wind conditions, with the first officer providing standard callouts. The pilot-in-command reported that the tailwheel was raised normally; however, shortly before reaching the decision speed (V1), the aircraft began to veer left. Despite corrective control inputs, directional control could not be fully regained. The aircraft subsequently exited the left side of the runway and came to a stop in the nearby bushes parallel to the runway. The flight crew indicated that they secured the engines and executed the company's emergency shutdown and evacuation procedures.
Aircraft and Operator Information
The aircraft was a Douglas DC-3C-R-1830-90C, serial number 15676/27121, with U.S. registration N271SE. It was owned and operated by Florida Air Cargo, which held an air carrier operating certificate. The aircraft was certified for a maximum take-off mass of 26,900 pounds.
Meteorological Information
At the time of the occurrence, conditions at MYGW were Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC) with daylight. The wind was from 360 degrees at 7 knots, visibility greater than 6 statute miles, few clouds at 200 feet and a broken ceiling at 2,000 feet. Temperature was 30°C with a dewpoint of 23°C, and the altimeter setting was 30.00 inHg. The flight plan was filed under Visual Flight Rules.
Wreckage and Injuries
Post-accident inspection revealed damage to the leading edge, left wingtip, aileron, stabilizer tip, and elevator, as well as impact damage to the nose cone and minor deformation to the forward fuselage. The aircraft damage was categorized as major. The two crew members sustained forearm abrasions and received immediate medical attention. There were no passenger or ground injuries, no fire, and no explosion.
Investigation Status
This report is preliminary and subject to change. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Authority (AAIA) of the Bahamas is conducting the investigation. No probable cause has been stated in this preliminary report.