Accident Overview
On April 3, 2002, at about 1210 eastern standard time, a Cessna 402B, registered as N768WC and operated by Southstream Aviation, Inc., was ditched in Coral Harbor Lake, approximately 2.6 nautical miles southwest of Nassau International Airport, Nassau, Bahamas. The airplane sustained substantial damage. The commercial-rated pilot and a passenger, a U.S. certificated pilot, were not injured.
Flight Details
The flight was a 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight to Bimini, Bahamas. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a VFR flight plan was filed. The aircraft originated about six minutes earlier from Nassau International Airport, departing from runway 14.
Events Leading to Ditching
Before takeoff, the passenger checked the fuel tanks for contaminants after fueling and found none. While turning on course to Bimini, the left engine sputtered. The pilot initially reduced power to the left engine, then increased it, after which the engine quit. The pilot observed that manifold and fuel pressure indications were decreasing at that time. The pilot then turned back toward Nassau airport, but shortly afterward the right engine also quit. Unable to return to the airport, the pilot ditched the airplane in Coral Harbor Lake.
Post-Accident
The airplane remained upright in the water, which was approximately 1 to 4 feet deep. Both occupants exited the aircraft without assistance. The accident site was located approximately 2.6 nautical miles southwest of the Nassau International Airport.