Accident Overview
On a personal flight, a Beechcraft 200 Super King Air, registration YV-385CP, crashed into the Atlantic Ocean approximately 9 miles southwest of Bimini, Bahamas. Visual meteorological conditions existed in the area at the time of the accident. An instrument flight rules flight plan had been filed. The aircraft was destroyed in the impact. The commercial-rated flight instructor and a pilot-rated passenger sustained fatal injuries.
Flight History
The flight originated from Fort Lauderdale International Airport on the same day at about 10:53. At 11:14, the pilot of YV-385CP informed the FAA Air Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC) that he was experiencing an emergency and requested immediate directions to Bimini. No further communications were received from the aircraft. Radar data showed that at 11:13:33, the altitude was approximately 23,600 feet, and by 11:14:58, it had descended to 2,800 feet.
Sound spectrum analysis of an FAA re-recording of communications between the pilot and ATC indicated electronic signatures attributable to propeller noise at a cruise setting typical for that aircraft type.
Maintenance Background
Records obtained from Venezuela indicated that YV-385CP had previously been involved in an accident and had sustained extensive structural damage. The aircraft was repaired in Venezuela and subsequently flown to the United States for additional repairs. Documents from the U.S. repair station showed that the airplane had an extensive maintenance history, with needed repairs including damaged wiring, leaks in the fuel system, and structural leaks, which had led to several pressurization difficulties.
Investigation
According to the official findings, due to lack of evidence, the exact cause of the accident could not be determined.