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Fatal aircraft accident during final approach (N851JA)

Nassau-Lynden Pindling, BahamasLanding (descent or approach)

On October 11, 1980, a Britten-Norman Islander (registration N851JA) operated by Trans Island Airways - Bahamas was involved in an aviation accident near Nassau-Lynden Pindling, Bahamas during landing or approach. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft struck trees short of the runway because it was flying at an insufficient altitude during its final approach. 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.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

A twin-engine airplane crashed into a wooded area short of the runway threshold during its final approach, resulting in one fatality.

What happened

During the final approach phase of flight, a twin engine airplane descended below the required altitude and impacted a line of trees. The impact occurred within a wooded region situated just before the runway threshold.

As a result of the collision with the vegetation, the aircraft came to rest in the forested area. The accident resulted in one fatality among the passengers on board. Additionally, the crash caused injuries to seven occupants who were traveling on the aircraft at the time of the impact.

Findings

  • The aircraft was positioned too low relative to the terrain during its approach to the runway.
  • The sequence of events concluded with the plane striking trees prior to reaching the landing strip.

Probable cause

The aircraft struck trees short of the runway because it was flying at an insufficient altitude during its final approach.

Related events

Same operator

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