Incident
On 10 September 2023 at approximately 4:28 pm local time (2028 UTC), a Piper PA-32-301 aircraft with United States registration N106MR was involved in an occurrence while en route to Leonard Thompson International Airport (MYAM), Marsh Harbour, Abaco, Bahamas. The pilot reported observing a loss of engine power while more than 5 miles from MYAM and subsequently executed an emergency landing in an area of brush approximately 4.97 miles south of the airport. The aircraft came to rest in dense brush oriented on a westerly heading of about 280° in a slightly nose-down attitude on its right side. The right wing was detached from the fuselage at the wing chord and rested inverted diagonally.
Aircraft and Flight Information
The aircraft, a Piper PA-32-301 Saratoga serial number 32-8206009, was manufactured in 1981 and registered to Island Flights Inc. It was powered by a Lycoming IO-540-K1G5 engine and equipped with a Hartzell HC-C3YR-1RF/F7663R propeller. The last annual inspection was conducted on 7 March 2023 at an airframe total time of 5885.6 hours. Earlier on the day of the accident, the aircraft made a round trip between Lynden Pindling International Airport (MYNN), Nassau, and Sandy Point Airport (MYAS), Abaco, after which 30 gallons of AVGAS fuel were added upon return to MYNN. Subsequent flights were made from MYNN to MYAM and then from MYAM to MYEH. The accident flight departed from North Eleuthera International Airport (MYEH) shortly after 4:00 pm, and the pilot reported the flight was uneventful until approaching MYAM.
Wreckage Examination
Investigators from the AAIA and representatives of the aircraft and engine manufacturers conducted an analysis of the aircraft and engine. Examination of the airframe fuel system revealed no fuel in the left and right wing fuel tanks. Fuel lines from each wing were separated at the wing root. Some blue fuel containing fine black sediment was found in the fuel selector valve and fuel sump; a water detection test using Kolor Kut paste indicated no water. The electric fuel pump switch in the cockpit was in the off position, and the pump ran smoothly when tested with a 20V battery. The firewall fuel line feeding the fuel servo was opened and contained no fuel. The fuel selector was in the left tank position. Low-pressure air flowed from the firewall fuel line to both wing roots when the selector was set appropriately. Fuel tank screens were clean, and fuel caps with intact gaskets were in place. The left wing displayed compression damage, and the right wing was detached. The propeller, fuselage, undercarriage, rudder, and stabilator also sustained damage.
Injuries and Response
All five occupants—one pilot and four passengers—were able to exit the aircraft successfully. Emergency responders, including the Royal Bahamas Police Force and Airport Authority officials, arrived at the scene to render aid. There were no reported injuries. No aircraft fire or explosion occurred.