What happened
On April 4, 2013, a twin-engine Cessna 402C, registered as C6-BGJ, was performing an emergency air ambulance mission from Lynden Pindling International Airport to Mayaguana International Airport. The flight was initiated following a request from Princess Margaret Hospital for medical transport services. The crew, consisting of the pilot, a copilot, and a nurse, arrived at Mayaguana at approximately 0500 UTC under night instrument meteorological conditions.
During the landing sequence on Runway 06, the aircraft touched down roughly 300 feet from the runway threshold. As the nose gear was approaching the surface, the right wing struck a vehicle located near the runway. This initial impact caused the aircraft to lose control and veer toward the right side of the runway, where it subsequently struck a second vehicle. The collision with the second vehicle caused the right wing's fuel tank to rupture, leading to a post-impact explosion. The force of the second impact also caused the right main landing gear to detach from the airframe.
Following the impacts, the aircraft collapsed onto its right side and slid into the gravel area south of the runway, during which the nose gear also failed. The pilot successfully shut off the fuel supply, and all three occupants of the aircraft evacuated without sustaining injuries requiring hospitalization. However, the collision with the second vehicle resulted in 3 fatalities among the occupants of that vehicle. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
Findings
- The aircraft struck a vehicle on the runway prior to the nose gear making full contact with the pavement.
- The impact of the right wing with a vehicle caused a fuel tank rupture and subsequent fire.