Aircraft and Crew
The aircraft involved was a Cessna 401, registration VQ-TLG, manufactured in 1969 and powered by two Continental TSIO-520-E piston engines. The commander, aged 25, held an Airline Transport Pilot's Licence and had accumulated 3,490 total flying hours, including 105 hours on type. In the 90 days prior, he had flown 152 hours, with 48 hours in the last 28 days.
Flight History
On 24 July 2009 at 2226 UTC, the aircraft departed Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos Islands, on a private flight to Salt Cay, located approximately 8 nautical miles to the southwest. Weather conditions at the time included wind from 110° at 10 knots, visibility exceeding 10 km, and no low-level cloud.
Engine Failure and Ditching
During descent on approach to Runway 08 at Salt Cay, passing through approximately 1,000 ft, the left engine failed. The commander feathered the propeller and selected full power on the remaining engine, but the aircraft could not maintain altitude. Attempts to restart the left engine were unsuccessful. Judging that the aircraft would not reach the airfield, the commander elected to ditch in a large shallow lake located beneath the base leg for the runway.
The ditching was successful, and all six occupants—one crew and five passengers—evacuated through the normal cabin door. Two passengers sustained minor injuries; the crew and remaining passengers were uninjured.
Damage and Investigation
The aircraft sustained damage to the propellers and underside of the fuselage. At the time of reporting, the engines had not been inspected, and the cause of the engine failure was unknown.