On January 10, 1970, a Beechcraft D18 (registration N44CA) operated by Sherman Aircraft Sales was involved in an aviation accident near Freeport, Bahamas during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A suspected mechanical issue likely caused the aircraft to veer off the runway during landing. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A solo pilot escaped without injury after an aircraft veered off the runway during its landing roll at Freeport Airport.
What happened
During the landing phase of a flight at Freeport Airport, an aircraft lost directional control while on the runway. The plane drifted from the paved surface and came to a stop after exiting the runway area.
At the time of the incident, the pilot was the only person on board the aircraft. Despite the impact of the excursion, the pilot sustained no injuries.
The aircraft involved suffered significant structural damage during the event and was subsequently declared a total loss, as it was deemed beyond repair.
Findings
Official investigations into the incident point toward a suspected mechanical discrepancy as the primary factor leading to the loss of control during the landing sequence.
Probable cause
A suspected mechanical issue likely caused the aircraft to veer off the runway during landing.