Accident
On October 5, 2010, at approximately 1636 UTC (12:36 p.m. EDT), a Cessna 402C aircraft, registration C6-NLH, crashed into Lake Killarney shortly after becoming airborne from Runway 14 at Lynden Pindling International Airport, Nassau, New Providence, Bahamas. The aircraft was operated by Acklins Blue Air Charter under pilot Nelson Hanna and registered to Lebocruise Air Limited. It was on a visual flight rules passenger flight from Nassau to Cockburn Town, San Salvador. All nine occupants—the pilot, a second pilot, and seven passengers—sustained fatal injuries. The aircraft sustained substantial damage from impact forces.
Flight Preparations
Three air operator certificate (AOC) holders at the airport reported that earlier that day, an individual arranging the flight had approached them seeking a charter to Cockburn Town. Each declined, estimating that the combined weight of passengers and luggage exceeded the capacity of their aircraft (Cessna 402C and Hawker Beechcraft B100). Later, the same individual arranged the flight with Nelson Hanna of Acklins Blue Air Charter. The flight plan filed listed only one soul on board, but the aircraft carried nine occupants. The aircraft type certificate required only one pilot, but eyewitnesses reported two pilots on board.
Sequence of Events
Air traffic control cleared the flight to taxi from the business aviation apron to Runway 14 via intersection Foxtrot, which was 2,000 feet beyond the threshold, providing a takeoff run available of 9,353 feet. Eyewitnesses observed white smoke trailing from the left engine during the takeoff roll. The aircraft appeared to climb normally and retract the landing gear, but struggled to gain altitude. It turned left over Lake Killarney at low height, as if attempting to return. The bank angle changed from shallow to steep, almost perpendicular to the ground. The landing gear extended, and the aircraft lost control, nosing down inverted into the lake. It cartwheeled and came to rest upright approximately one-quarter mile from the approach end of Runway 27, on a heading of about 210 degrees. The engine was heard running for a few seconds after water contact. The pilot did not declare an emergency or report any abnormalities to ATC.
Investigation Findings
The Bahamas Civil Aviation Department (BCAD) conducted the investigation with assistance from the NTSB, FAA, and manufacturers. Post-accident weight and balance calculations indicated the takeoff weight exceeded the maximum certificated 6,850 pounds by approximately 523 pounds, and the center of gravity was outside the safe envelope. The left engine could not produce its rated shaft horsepower during takeoff. The left propeller was not feathered. The aircraft's maintenance records were not located, and the pilots were not qualified for commercial air taxi operations as required by Bahamas regulations. The search and recovery efforts were hampered by inclement weather, rough lake conditions, and darkness; the ninth victim was recovered on October 7.
Probable Cause
The official findings identified that the airplane was operated overweight, the left engine could not produce rated shaft horsepower, the left propeller was not feathered, and the pilot initiated a steep turn with the landing gear extended, leading to a stall and impact with the lake.