Accident Overview
On March 31, 2004, at approximately 1235 eastern standard time, a Cessna 402B, registration N269JH, operated by Tropic Air Charters, Inc., experienced a complete collapse of all landing gears during landing at Walker's Cay Airport in Walker's Cay, Bahamas. The flight, conducted under 14 CFR Part 135 as an on-demand, non-scheduled, international cargo operation, originated from Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, about 45 minutes prior to the incident. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a visual flight rules flight plan had been filed.
Aircraft and Occupants
The airplane, a Cessna 402B registered to Tropic Air Charters, was substantially damaged. The commercial-rated pilot, who was the sole occupant, reported no injuries. The aircraft's left wing and fuselage were damaged in the sequence of events.
Sequence of Events
According to the pilot, after touchdown, the right wing tipped downward as if a tire had gone flat. The pilot attempted to maintain directional control using the rudder, and was successful for approximately 1,000 feet of rollout. The airplane then veered to the right and collided with a tree, which caused further damage to the left wing and fuselage. The landing gear collapse occurred during this landing roll.
Weather and Flight Plan
The accident occurred under visual meteorological conditions. A VFR flight plan had been filed for the international cargo flight from Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport to Walker's Cay.
Damage
The airplane was substantially damaged as a result of the landing gear collapse and subsequent collision with a tree. Specific damage included the left wing and fuselage.
Investigation
No probable cause was determined or stated in the available source.