Occurrence
On 1st June 2023, at approximately 2:20 pm EDT, a Piper PA-32-260 aircraft with United States registration N3790W departed San Andros Airport (MYAN), Andros, Bahamas, on an Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) flight plan with a filed altitude of 8,000 ft. The flight was the fifth leg of a trip that originated from Kissimmee Gateway Airport (KISM), Kissimmee, FL, USA, at about 6:45 am that morning. The aircraft was operating as an Air Care Alliance Flight with call sign CMF2587 and carried five persons on board.
While transitioning to cruise flight at an altitude of 6,000 ft, the pilot observed a loss of engine power. He commenced emergency procedures per the manufacturer’s checklist and attempted to restart the engine; these efforts were unsuccessful. The pilot advised Miami Center (Air Traffic Control) of the emergency and stated his intention to return to MYAN. Miami Center transferred the aircraft to Nassau Air Traffic Control. Upon realizing he would be unable to reach the airport, the pilot opted to ditch the aircraft in shallow waters (depth 8–10 ft) approximately 20 nm northwest of MYAN.
Nassau Air Traffic Control initiated emergency response and notified the Royal Bahamas Police Force, Royal Bahamas Defense Force, US Coast Guard, and the Bahamas Air Sea Rescue Association. Marine and aerial assets were dispatched, and all five occupants were located and rescued. They were transported to North Andros, where they were examined by medical professionals; no injuries were reported.
The coordinates where the aircraft came to rest were latitude 25°21ʹ15.0ʹʹN and longitude 78°11ʹ50.6ʹʹW. The aircraft was recovered between 13th and 16th June 2023, first to New Providence, Bahamas, then to Florida Air Recovery in Fort Pierce, Florida, USA. A teardown and analysis were conducted on 2nd August 2023 by the AAIA with assistance from Piper Aircraft and Lycoming Engines.
Aircraft Information
The accident aircraft was a Piper PA-32-260, serial number 32-715, manufactured in 1966. It was a seven-place, low-wing, single-engine airplane with tricycle landing gear and all-metal construction. The aircraft was certified in the normal category for day and night VFR/IFR operations.
The engine was a Lycoming O-540-E4B5, serial number L-14700-40, rated at 260 hp at 2,700 rpm. It was equipped with a float carburetor, dual magnetos, and a diaphragm-type fuel pump. At the last annual inspection on 8th May 2023, the airframe had accumulated 6,093.90 hours, and the engine had 5,250.15 hours since new.
Wreckage and Impact
The aircraft was ditched in shallow water and recovered. The airframe and fuselage exhibited evidence of saltwater submersion and overall corrosion. The fuselage was intact but showed impact-related deformation on the left side of the aft fuselage. There was no fire or explosion. No injuries to crew, passengers, or ground personnel were reported. The aircraft sustained impact and water-related damage.