Incident Overview
On March 5, 2021, at 5:17 PM EST, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Authority (AAIA) was notified of an overdue aircraft with two persons on board. The flight was en route to Matthew Town Airport (MYIG), Great Inagua, Bahamas. According to Bahamas Air Navigation Services and Nassau Air Traffic Control, the aircraft had departed Lynden Pindling International Airport (MYNN), Nassau, at 7:00 AM. The filed flight plan estimated an en route time of 3 hours and 20 minutes. The flight plan was not cancelled, and checks by Nassau Air Traffic Control confirmed that the aircraft did not reach its intended destination.
Flight Tracking and Last Contact
The last radio communication with Air Traffic Control occurred at 8:06 AM via the Exuma Flight Information Service. Miami ARTCC provided radar coverage at that point. Approximately 80 nautical miles northwest of MYIG, the aircraft's target dropped from Miami Center Radar. The last known position was 22° 05.352N 074° 26.136W.
Search and Rescue Operations
At 11:50 AM, the Royal Bahamas Defense Force (RBDF) Operations Command Center received reports of the overdue aircraft and initiated emergency protocols. Bahamas Air Navigation Services and RBDF contacted airports in Mayaguana, Exuma, Crooked Island, Long Island, San Salvador, and Ragged Island; all reported no sighting of the aircraft. The United States Coast Guard assisted RBDF with aerial and maritime assets, including a C-130 fixed-wing aircraft, a helicopter, and a coast guard cutter. RBDF vessels HMBS Kamalamee and HMBS Lignum Vitae conducted searches of the surrounding area. Search and rescue efforts continued until March 10, 2021, after which the operation transitioned to search and recovery mode.
Aircraft and Maintenance Information
The aircraft was a Piper PA-28-161, registration N2932Y. A review of maintenance records provided by the aircraft owner indicated that the aircraft was maintained in accordance with regulatory requirements. Evidence of an annual inspection was provided. The most recent maintenance activity prior to the occurrence was a 50-hour inspection conducted on February 6, 2021. The time since major overhaul (TSMOH) on the aircraft engine was 1,573.7 hours.
Meteorological Conditions
At the time of departure, the conditions at the departure point were visual meteorological conditions (VMC). The wind was from the west-northwest at 10 knots, visibility was unspecified, and the lowest cloud condition was few with a scattered ceiling. The flight was conducted under Visual Flight Rules (VFR).
Case Closure
As of March 5, 2022, one year after the incident, no further information was available regarding the whereabouts of the aircraft. The AAIA officially closed the case, noting that it would be reopened if the aircraft or other substantial information about its whereabouts is received.
Injuries and Damage
The injuries to the two persons on board are unknown. The aircraft damage is unknown.