On April 26, 1995, a Cessna 550 Citation II (registration N7RC) operated by Ring Can Corporation was involved in an aviation accident near Walker's Cay, Bahamas during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The runway at Walker's Cay is less than 800 metres which is insufficient for such aircraft. The crew elected to land as early as possible but landed too short, causing the aircraft to crash. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
An aircraft on final approach to Walker's Cay Airfield struck the ground short of the runway, lost control, hit a tree, and caught fire. All five occupants were injured and the aircraft was destroyed.
Accident Details
During the final approach to Walker's Cay Airfield, the aircraft descended too low and impacted the ground a few metres before the runway threshold. After the initial ground contact, the aircraft became uncontrollable and rolled to the right. The right wing then collided with a tree and was torn off. The aircraft continued to roll for approximately 100 metres before coming to rest, at which point it burst into flames.
Casualties and Damage
All five occupants on board sustained injuries. The aircraft was destroyed by the impact and subsequent fire.
Probable Cause
According to the official investigation, the probable cause of the accident was that the runway at Walker's Cay is less than 800 metres in length, which is insufficient for the type of aircraft involved. The crew elected to land as early as possible but landed too short, causing the aircraft to crash.