Incident Overview
A commercial flight destined for Fresh Creek Airport (MYAF) in Andros, Bahamas, was involved in an accident during takeoff from Lynden Pindling International Airport (MYNN) in Nassau. The pilot reported that after contacting Nassau air traffic control, he requested a departure from runway 14 using Taxiway Bravo, but the request was denied. He then requested a departure from Taxiway Lima, which was granted.
Sequence of Events
Upon receiving takeoff clearance, the pilot entered the active runway and backtracked to gain additional room before beginning the takeoff roll. After adding takeoff power and accelerating for some distance, the pilot noticed the left manifold pressure dropping and the aircraft began to "pull to the left." Recognizing a problem, he added additional power to the right engine and continued the takeoff roll. However, after achieving some lift, the pilot observed the aircraft stall, and it was unable to clear the inner layer of perimeter fencing, which was approximately 12 feet high, at a distance of roughly 820 feet from the approach end of runway 32's threshold.
The aircraft impacted the inner perimeter fencing, struck the surface, and traveled approximately 57 feet on a heading of about 123° before hitting the second outer layer of perimeter fencing. The aircraft's trajectory continued in that direction for an additional 216 feet, sliding across Coral Harbour Road, and finally coming to rest in a swampy area.
Post-Crash Events
Shortly after the aircraft came to rest, the pilot observed flames emanating from the left side of the aircraft and made a hasty exit. While exiting, he noticed flames on the outside around the aircraft and received burns to his face during his attempt to vacate the area. As soon as he was able to clear the general vicinity, the pilot observed an explosion, and the aircraft continued to burn.
Investigation Findings
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Authority (AAIA) determined the probable cause of this accident to be a collision with obstacles during takeoff, though the cause of the collision was undetermined. Post-crash inspection of the aircraft engines and accessories revealed no evidence of malfunction or failure that would suggest the engines were unable to produce adequate power. A contributing factor was identified as the decision to depart runway 14 at MYNN from the intersection of Taxiway Lima.