What happened
On August 25, 2001, a Cessna 402B operated by Blackhawk International Airways crashed during the initial climb phase following departure from Marsh Harbour International Airport in the Bahamas. The flight was intended to travel to Opa Locka, Florida, under Visual Flight Rules. Witnesses at the airport observed the pilot managing loading procedures and noted difficulties during the engine start sequence. The aircraft departed the runway after traveling between 2,500 and 2,800 feet. Shortly after becoming airborne, the aircraft climbed steeply to an altitude of approximately 40 feet, performed a left bank, and then pitched nose-down into marshy terrain. The impact destroyed the aircraft, and all nine occupants, including the singer Aaliyah Dana Haughton, were killed.
Findings
Investigations into the accident highlighted several regulatory and operational irregularities. While the operator was authorized for single-pilot operations, the presence of an additional pilot during this flight effectively made it a multi-pilot operation without the necessary FAA authorization. Furthermore, Blackhawk International Airways lacked authorization from the Bahamas Aviation Authority to perform commercial services within the Bahamas.
Prior to the accident, the operator had been subject to several FAA administrative actions, including a recent citation for maintenance failures and non-compliance with manufacturer-recommended programs. Witnesses also noted an argument regarding passenger and baggage weight, specifically observing two large passengers seated in the rear of the plane. A last-minute aircraft swap had also occurred, as a Cessna 404 was originally intended for the mission before being replaced by the fatal N8097W.