6 fatalities

Aircraft Disappears on Flight from Fort Lauderdale to Bimini (N44NC)

Bimini, BahamasLanding (descent or approach)

On March 31, 1984, a Cessna 402 (registration N44NC) operated by Associated Air Service was involved in an aviation accident near Bimini, Bahamas during landing or approach. 6 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: reason for occurrence undetermined. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-11Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft departed Fort Lauderdale, Florida, for Bimini, Bahamas, on March 31, 1984. After last radio contact, radar showed a descent and loss of signal. Witnesses reported a crash. The aircraft and six occupants were not recovered.

Flight Details

On March 31, 1984, at 0823 local time, an aircraft departed Fort Lauderdale, Florida, en route to Bimini, Bahamas. After departure, the aircraft's flight plan was activated by radio, which was the last communication with the aircraft.

Radar Tracking

An itap radar readout indicated an aircraft flight that departed at the appropriate time. The target headed toward Bimini. After approximately 10 minutes, the target slowed to 90 knots airspeed. About 4 minutes later, the target entered a rate of descent of 5,400 feet per minute and subsequently disappeared from radar.

Witness Reports

Two witnesses reported seeing an aircraft crash into the water near Bimini between 0830 and 0900 on March 31, 1984.

Aftermath

The aircraft and all six occupants were not recovered. The injury index and aircraft damage are presumed. The official probable cause states the reason for the occurrence is undetermined.