What happened
During a series of touch-and-go landings at Norman's Cay Airport in the Bahamas, an aircraft experienced a critical failure following a short touchdown. While attempting to execute a go-around after the initial contact with the runway, the pilot steered the plane into an earthen berm.
The impact with the berm caused significant structural damage, specifically tearing the left landing gear away from its housing. During this sequence, the number one propeller blades made contact with the runway surface. Following the collision, the aircraft entered a left bank and was unable to maintain sufficient altitude. The plane subsequently exited the runway area and settled in shallow water near the airport. The wreckage remains at the site off Norman's Cay.
Findings
- The primary factor in the accident was the impact with an earthen berm during a go-around attempt.
- Structural failure of the left landing gear occurred due to the collision with the terrain.