Engine failure leads to ditching of twin-engine aircraft near Bahamas

No fatalities • Nassau, Bahamas • Flight

A twin-engine airplane was forced to ditch in the ocean off the coast of the Bahamas following an engine malfunction during a flight from Colombia to Florida.

What happened

A flight traveling from Barranquilla to Fort Lauderdale, which included a scheduled stop at Great Inaga Island, encountered a critical mechanical issue during the night. While the twin-engine airplane was in the cruise phase of flight near the Bahamas coast, the pilot experienced an engine failure and subsequently issued an emergency declaration.

In an attempt to reach safety, the pilot sought to divert the aircraft to the closest available airfield. However, due to the loss of power, the crew was unable to complete the diversion and was forced to perform a ditching in international waters. The impact occurred several miles away from the nearest landmass.

Findings

The incident resulted in zero fatalities and two survivors, as both occupants were successfully rescued following the water landing. The aircraft subsequently sank into the ocean and has not been located by search teams. Investigators determined that the primary factor was a powerplant failure of unknown origin, which necessitated the emergency descent and subsequent ditching.

Probable cause

An engine failure of undetermined cause led to the loss of power and the subsequent ditching of the aircraft.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1978-09-12 Beechcraft G18S accident near Nassau, Bahamas?

A twin-engine airplane was forced to ditch in the ocean off the coast of the Bahamas following an engine malfunction during a flight from Colombia to Florida.

Were there any fatalities in the 1978-09-12 Beechcraft G18S accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1978-09-12 involved a Beechcraft G18S, registration N948Q, operated by William Catalina, at Nassau, Bahamas.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

An engine failure of undetermined cause led to the loss of power and the subsequent ditching of the aircraft.

Loading the flight search…