Occurrence Summary
On March 25, 2026, at approximately 12:54 pm local (1654 UTC), a Piper Malibu PA-46-310P, United States registration N46MB, operated by UpperJets, was involved in an occurrence while en route to Exuma International Airport (MYEF), Moss Town, Exuma, Bahamas. The flight, conducted under US CFR Part 135, had departed from Rafael Hernández Airport (TJBQ), Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, at about 10:03 am local with two persons on board.
Pilot Report and Diversion
According to the pilot in command, the flight was uneventful until approximately 12:21 pm (1621 UTC), while cruising at about 16,000 feet, when he contacted the company operations center to report engine roughness. About three minutes prior, the pilot had felt a slight vibration in the aircraft. Subsequently, a decision was made to divert to Mayaguana Airport (MYMM), Mayaguana, Bahamas. At about 12:40 pm (1640 UTC), the pilot observed a complete loss of power to the engine at approximately 8,000 feet. During the 19-minute interval between the initial vibration and the loss of power, the pilot indicated a constant drop in oil pressure and continuous rise in engine temperature, culminating in a loud “bang” before the power loss. The pilot then performed maneuvers to achieve a controlled descent with reference to MYMM, which was partially in sight due to cloud banks near the aerodrome. The landing gear was extended and flaps deployed during this time.
Landing and Damage
The pilot landed the aircraft at about three-quarters the length of runway 06/24, coming to a complete stop approximately 568 feet from the approach end of runway 06 threshold. The aircraft sustained substantial damage. There were no reports of injuries in relation to this occurrence.
Aircraft and Operator Information
The aircraft was a Piper PA-46-310P, serial number 45-8508021, registered as N46MB. The operator was UpperJets, holding an Air Carrier Operating Certificate. The flight was operated under Visual Flight Rules.
Meteorological and Aerodrome Conditions
At the time of the occurrence, conditions at the accident site were Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC) with daylight. The observation facility near the site (elevation 16 ft ASML) reported at 1600 UTC: wind 090/11 KT, visibility greater than 6 NM, temperature 25°C, dewpoint 16°C, altimeter 30.11 in-Hg, no cloud or ceiling (CAVOK). The flight plan filed was under Instrument Flight Rules.
Wreckage and Impact
Crew injuries: 0; Passenger injuries: 0; Ground injuries: 0; Total injuries: 0. The aircraft sustained substantial damage. No fire or explosion occurred.
Administrative Information
The investigation is being conducted by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Authority (AAIA) of the Bahamas. The Investigator in Charge is Alshorn Cleare. This is a preliminary report, subject to change.