Piper Navajo N827RD Crashes into Ocean After Takeoff from South Bimini

Accident Overview and Flight Details On April 16, 2021, at approximately 9:42 PM EDT (0142 UTC), a Piper Navajo PA-31-350 aircraft with United States registration N827RD crashed shortly after takeoff from South Bimini International Airport (MYBS) in the Bahamas. The private flight was operating under instrument flight rules with a destination of Opa Locka Airport (KOPF) in Florida, USA. The aircraft was carrying two individuals: the pilot and his son, who was seated in the right seat and also held a pilot certificate. ## Casualties and Injuries The pilot sustained serious injuries in the crash. He was initially treated at a local clinic in South Bimini before being transported to Princess Margaret Hospital in Nassau for further medical attention. The passenger, who was the pilot's son, succumbed to injuries sustained during the initial impact and the subsequent crash sequence, which included submersion in the water. An autopsy was later performed at the Rand Pathology Laboratory at Princess Margaret Hospital to determine the cause of death. ## Crash Location and Environmental Conditions The crash occurred in shallow waters, approximately 4 to 6 feet deep at low tide, located about 1.18 nautical miles from the approach end of Runway 10 at South Bimini International Airport. The accident took place at night under instrument meteorological conditions. Weather forecasts indicated that a weak high-pressure ridge would dominate the area, with no significant weather anticipated. ## Investigation and Probable Cause The Aircraft Accident Investigation Authority (AAIA) conducted the investigation in accordance with Annex 13 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation. The investigation's primary objective was to identify safety factors and draw lessons to prevent future accidents, rather than to apportion blame or assess liability. The AAIA determined that the probable cause of the accident was loss of control inflight (LOC-I), which resulted in an uncontrolled flight into terrain (ocean). The report noted that the specific contributing factors were unknown, and it was also unknown what role, if any, the passenger played during the takeoff and crash sequence.