Accident
On June 17, 2003, at approximately 1330 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 402B, registration N3748C, collided with a seawall while landing at a private airstrip on Little Whale Cay, Bahamas. The flight was operated by Execstar Aviation, Inc., under 14 CFR Part 135 as a non-scheduled international passenger and cargo service. The aircraft had departed from Chub Cay about ten minutes earlier. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed.
Aircraft and Flight Details
The aircraft, registered to Hamilton Development Company Ltd., was substantially damaged in the event. The commercial-rated pilot and two passengers were not injured. The landing was attempted on a 2,000-foot-long runway oriented southeast.
Pilot Account
According to the pilot, after takeoff he overflew the destination runway and set up for landing. On final approach with flaps fully extended, he maintained an airspeed of 95 knots, just below the blue line speed, then reduced to 88 knots when the runway was assured. The touchdown occurred within the first third of the runway, which was wet. The pilot reported inadequate braking and possible hydroplaning. Recognizing that he could not stop before a seawall approximately four feet tall at the end of the runway, he applied aft elevator control input. He subsequently believed the main landing gear contacted the seawall, causing them to structurally separate. The airplane then descended and impacted the water. The pilot and passengers exited through an emergency window and walked to the beach.
Aftermath
The airplane sustained substantial damage but remained largely intact. The pilot and passengers were able to evacuate without assistance.