No fatalities

Right Engine Fire Leads to Emergency Landing and Runway Excursion at Nassau (VP-BBN)

Nassau-Oakes Field, BahamasLanding (descent or approach)

On November 21, 1960, a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (registration VP-BBN) operated by Bahamas Airways was involved in an aviation accident near Nassau-Oakes Field, Bahamas during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Fire on the right engine after takeoff for undetermined reason. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

After takeoff from Nassau-Oakes Field Airport, a right engine fire prompted an emergency landing. The crew could not extinguish the fire; after touchdown, the engine detached, causing the aircraft to veer off the runway and come to rest in flames. No injuries were reported.

Incident

Shortly after takeoff from Nassau-Oakes Field Airport, while climbing, the right engine of the aircraft caught fire. The crew notified air traffic control about the situation and received permission to return for an emergency landing.

Emergency Response

For unknown reasons, the crew was unable to extinguish the fire. The approach was initiated with the right engine still ablaze. During the final approach, smoke began to spread into the cockpit.

Landing and Runway Excursion

Following touchdown on runway 27, the right engine detached from the aircraft. The detached engine struck the right main landing gear, shearing it off. The aircraft then went out of control, veering off the runway. It came to rest in flames approximately 300 meters beyond the runway.

Outcome

There were no injuries reported. The aircraft sustained substantial damage and was written off. The exact cause of the right engine fire remains undetermined.

Probable cause

Fire on the right engine after takeoff for undetermined reason.