What happened
A commercial flight destined for Fresh Creek Airport (MYAF) was preparing for departure from Nassau. After an initial request to depart via runway 14 from taxiway Bravo was denied by air traffic control, the pilot received permission to depart from taxiway Lima. To ensure sufficient space for the takeoff roll, the pilot entered the active runway and backtracked.
During the takeoff roll, the pilot noted a decrease in left manifold pressure and observed the aircraft pulling toward the left side. In an attempt to compensate, the pilot increased power to the right engine. However, as the aircraft gained lift, it entered a stall. The aircraft failed to clear the inner layer of perimeter fencing, which stands roughly 12 feet high, at a point approximately 8/20 feet from the runway 32 threshold.
Following the impact with the inner fence, the aircraft struck the ground and traveled 57 feet on a heading of 123 degrees before hitting a second, outer layer of fencing. The aircraft continued its trajectory for another 216 feet, sliding across Coral Harbour Road before coming to a stop in a swampy area. Shortly after the aircraft stopped, flames were observed on the left side of the airframe. The pilot attempted to evacuate the aircraft, but during the escape, the pilot sustained burns to the face as flames surrounded the wreckage. An explosion occurred near the downed aircraft while the pilot was vacating the area.
Findings
- The pilot experienced a drop in left manifold pressure during the takeoff roll.
- The aircraft's inability to maintain altitude led to a stall and subsequent collision with airport perimeter structures.