Accident
On Thursday, April 4, 2013, at approximately 1:00 AM DST (0500 UTC), a fixed-wing, twin-engine Cessna 402C aircraft, Bahamas registration C6-BGJ, serial number 402C0106, crashed into obstacles (vehicles) while landing on Runway 06 at Mayaguana International Airport (MYMM), Abraham’s Bay, Mayaguana, Bahamas.
Aircraft and Crew
The aircraft was operated under an Instrument Flight Rules flight plan with two pilots and one passenger (a nurse) on board. The pilot in command reported that on April 3, 2013, he received a call at approximately 9:30 PM from Princess Margaret Hospital requesting emergency air ambulance services out of Mayaguana. After coordinating with local police and Nassau Air Traffic Control Services for lighting and clearance, the flight departed Lynden Pindling International Airport at approximately 1:30 PM DST (0330 UTC).
Sequence of Events
The pilot reported that about 1 hour and 40 minutes after departure, the crew arrived at Mayaguana Airport. They leveled off at 1,500 feet and, approximately 4 miles left base for Runway 06, had the runway in sight via lighting from vehicles. The aircraft touched down approximately 300 feet from the threshold. Prior to nose gear contact with the runway, the right wing struck a vehicle, causing the aircraft to veer right and collide with a second vehicle approximately 300 to 400 feet on the right (southern) side of Runway 06. The impact with the second vehicle ruptured the right wing fuel tank, causing an explosion that engulfed the vehicle in flames. The force of impact caused the right main landing gear to break away and separate from the aircraft. The aircraft collapsed on its right side, slid onto gravel south of the runway, and the nose gear also collapsed. The pilot shut off the fuel valve, and after the engines and aircraft stopped, all three occupants evacuated. The impact with the first vehicle occurred approximately 427 feet from the runway threshold at coordinates 28°22'30"N, 073°01'15"W.
Injuries and Damage
The aircraft occupants sustained no visible injuries requiring medical attention or hospitalization. Three occupants of the second vehicle that was struck were fatally injured. The airplane sustained substantial damage from the impact and post-impact crash sequence.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause was a breakdown in communication during the planning and execution of an unapproved procedure. Contributing factors included: use of an unapproved procedure for a critical maneuver; too many persons planning without coordination; failure to verify participant positions; inexperienced persons in an unapproved maneuver; a vehicle parked too close to the runway; and a vehicle left with its engine running while parked near the runway.