What happened
On the morning of the accident, an aircraft operated by Airway Air Charter INC departed from Opa Locka Executive Airport in Florida, destined for Chub Cay International Airport. Before departure, the pilot performed standard pre-flight inspections and fueled the main tanks with 66.5 gallons of 100LL avgas, leaving the auxiliary tanks empty. The flight proceeded without incident until the aircraft reached an altitude of approximately 2,500 feet while descending toward its destination.
During this descent, the left engine began to sputter. Although the pilot initiated the necessary engine failure procedures, the right engine subsequently experienced similar power fluctuations. Following the loss of power to both engines, the aircraft impacted the water at a location roughly 4.48 nautical miles west of the Chub Cay International Airport.
Emergency response efforts involved the United States Coast Guard, the Royal Bahamas Defense Force, and the Royal Bahamas Police Force, supported by local maritime and aerial participants. The two occupants were successfully recovered from the site. Following the rescue, the survivors were transported to the United States to be treated for minor injuries.
Findings
Investigations into the event determined that the aircraft, a twin-engine plane, suffered a simultaneous loss of power in both engines during the approach phase of the flight.