What happened
On a scheduled taxi flight departing from Nassau-Lynden Pindlim Airport, a twin-engine aircraft was en route to Deadmans Cay. The flight departed Nassau at approximately 1:00 pm. During the final approach phase into Deadmans Cay, the flight crew encountered mechanical difficulties that prevented the deployment of the landing gear.
Due to the inability to extend the gear, the captain executed a controlled belly landing on the runway. Upon touchdown, the aircraft slid along the runway surface for several yards before losing directional control and veering off the paved surface. The aircraft eventually came to a stop without any subsequent fire.
Findings
- All passengers and crew members successfully evacuated the aircraft with zero fatalities and zero injuries.
- The aircraft sustained significant structural damage and was declared a total loss.
- The primary factor in the accident was the inability to lower the landing gear due to technical issues.