Departure and Pre-Flight
On the day of the accident, the pilot in command arrived at Opa Locka Executive Airport (KOPF), Opa Locka, Florida, at approximately 6:30 AM EST. A pre-flight check was conducted, during which 66.5 gallons of 100LL avgas fuel were added to the aircraft's main fuel tanks; no fuel was added to the auxiliary tanks. After completing all pre-flight checks and receiving clearance from Air Traffic Control, the aircraft departed at approximately 7:52 AM EST.
Flight and Incident
The flight was uneventful until the aircraft began descending into Chub Cay at about 2,500 feet. At that point, the left engine started to "sputter." The pilot executed the engine failure checklist, but shortly thereafter, the right engine also began to sputter. The pilot contacted Miami Air Traffic Center and reported a loss of power to both engines. The aircraft subsequently crashed into the waters.
Search and Rescue
The United States Coast Guard, along with the Royal Bahamas Defense Force (RBDF) and Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF), were alerted. Joint aerial and marine assets were dispatched, and additional assistance was provided by local mariners and pilots in the area. Both occupants were located and rescued, then airlifted to the United States for medical attention for minor injuries. The accident site was identified at coordinates 25° 24.884’ N and 077° 58.030’ W, approximately 4.48 nautical miles west of Chub Cay International Airport (MYBC), Berry Islands, Bahamas.
Investigation and Probable Cause
The aircraft was operated by Airway Air Charter INC (also known as Venture Air Solutions INC) under a Part 135 certificate. The official probable cause, as determined by the AAIA, was dual system component failure – powerplant, with a contributing factor of loss of engine power due to mismanagement of available fuel.