What happened
On January 21, 2010, a Piper Aztec PA 23-250, registration N41JN, was conducting a visual flight rules (VFR) flight from Great Harbour Cay International Airport to Lynden Pindling International Airport in Nassau. Approximately five minutes after takeoff, while cruising at 1,200 feet, the pilot observed smoke filling the cabin area behind the instrument panel.
In response to the smoke, the pilot executed emergency procedures and performed a ditching in the Northwest Passage, between Frasier Cay and Bond Cay in the Berry Island, Bahamas. The aircraft settled in water approximately 700 feet deep. Before the aircraft sank, the pilot successfully deployed a life raft and used a satellite phone to contact the coast guard. The pilot was subsequently rescued by a nearby vessel and transported to Chub Cay.
The investigation
The investigation was unable to perform a physical examination of the wreckage or conduct technical analysis of the aircraft's systems because the aircraft settled in waters too deep for recovery. Investigators relied on the pilot's reports and available flight records. The investigation confirmed that the pilot was properly certified and that the aircraft had undergone an annual inspection two weeks prior to the event. Meteorological conditions at the time of the accident were determined not to be a factor in the occurrence.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was an electrical fire, which may have been triggered by an electrical short.
- The pilot's ability to contact emergency services via satellite phone aided in a successful rescue.
- The aircraft was not equipped with flight recorders, as they were not required for this aircraft type.