Accident Overview
On August 25, 2001, a Cessna 402B aircraft, registration N8097W, operated by Blackhawk International Airways, departed Marsh Harbour International Airport in the Bahamas for a return flight to Opa Locka, Florida. The aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff, killing all nine occupants, including US singer Aaliyah Dana Haughton. The flight was conducted under Visual Flight Rules (VFR).
Operator and Pilot Issues
Blackhawk International Airways was authorized by the FAA as a single-pilot Part 135 operation, with Gilbert Chacón as the only authorized pilot. However, the pilot in command for this flight was Morales, who was not authorized by the FAA to fly for Blackhawk. The company had no authority to operate as a multi-pilot operation. Morales was reportedly hired two days prior to the accident.
Weight and Balance
The aircraft was estimated to be 941 lbs over the maximum allowable takeoff weight, with the center of gravity 4.4 inches aft of the maximum aft limit. The weight of an unrecovered bag was not included in calculations. The pilot failed to determine if the aircraft was within operating limitations; no evidence of a completed weight and balance report or load manifest existed.
Pilot Qualification and Logbook Falsification
Morales was not qualified under Part 135 for the aircraft. His logbook contained falsifications, including adding up to 1,000 hours to his total flight and multi-engine times, and falsifying day and night landings. He also misreported aircraft types and registration numbers to FAA databases.
Aircraft Configuration at Impact
Post-accident examination found the fuel selectors both selected to the right main tank, though impact damage may have altered positions. Trim tabs were found outside normal takeoff range: aileron trim full right, rudder trim left, elevator trim full nose down. Flaps were selected to 15°, while the Pilot's Operating Handbook specifies 0° for normal takeoff. However, impact damage may have affected these settings.
Maintenance and Regulatory History
No FAA enforcement actions or service difficulty reports existed for the accident aircraft. However, Blackhawk had four administrative actions, including a letter of correction for maintenance failures, failure to comply with manufacturer's recommended programs, lack of a qualified maintenance person, and use of unsanctioned repair techniques.
Witness Accounts
Witnesses reported an argument between the pilot and passengers about the number of passengers and baggage. Eight passengers boarded, with two large individuals (estimated 300 lbs each) seated in the rear. The pilot loaded the aircraft personally and had difficulty starting engines. Departure was at approximately 1845 EDT. The aircraft became airborne between 2,500 and 2,800 feet on a 5,000-foot runway, then climbed steeply to about 40 feet, banked left, pitched nose down, and impacted marshy terrain.
Flight Authorization
Blackhawk was not authorized by the Bahamas Aviation Authority to conduct commercial operations in the Bahamas. It is unknown whether a flight plan was filed or radio communications were established with ATC during the flight from Florida to the Bahamas.