Overview
On May 31, 2021, at approximately 12:45 PM, a Cessna 402C aircraft with United States registration N997TA was involved in an occurrence at South Bimini Airport (MYBS) in Bimini, Bahamas. The aircraft, manufactured in 1980 with serial number 402C-0231, was powered by two reciprocating engines. The flight originated from Opa-Locka Airport (KOPF) in Florida, USA, and was destined for South Bimini. There was one pilot on board and no passengers. No injuries were reported.
Occurrence Details
The pilot landed the aircraft on Runway 10L, which was closed at the time due to ongoing construction. Orange barricades had been erected across the runway to warn pilots that the runway was unserviceable. Upon landing, the aircraft collided with these barricades. As a result, the nose gear and right main gear collapsed, causing the aircraft to spin to the right and resulting in a runway excursion. The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the gear and fuselage.
Notices to Airmen (NOTAM) #A0151/21 had been issued on May 21, 2021, advising that the runway was closed for construction, with white markings installed at both ends and orange barriers in place. Despite these notifications and physical barriers, the pilot landed on the closed runway.
Investigation Findings
The AAIA attempted to interview the pilot, whose written statement declaring an engine failure was disputed by company personnel who inspected the aircraft shortly after the event. Company personnel and the FAA IFO also attempted to contact the pilot, but all attempts were unsuccessful. The Civil Aviation Authority of the Bahamas (CAAB) was engaged to follow up, and the FAA was advised to conduct any investigation deemed appropriate.
The AAIA determined that pilot error was the cause of the breach of safety regulations, resulting in the pilot landing on a runway that was notamed and marked with visible barriers denoting its closure.
Conclusion
The safety investigation by the AAIA is closed. The agency has issued this bulletin to inform the aviation community of the circumstances of the serious incident.