History of the Flight
On June 5, 2018, at approximately 3:45 p.m. local time, a Cessna 421B aircraft, registration N421MM, operated by Hat Investments LLC under 14 CFR Part 91 as a private flight, departed Rock Sound International Airport in Eleuthera, Bahamas. The intended destination was Fort Pierce International Airport in Fort Pierce, Florida, USA. Shortly after takeoff from Runway 27, the aircraft lost control and crashed in dense bushes. The crash site was located approximately 2,503 feet (0.41 nautical miles) north of the threshold of Runway 09 and 8,588 feet (1.42 nautical miles) from the threshold of Runway 27.
Injuries and Damage
The pilot and two passengers were killed. The aircraft was destroyed by impact forces and a post-crash fire.
Aircraft Information
The aircraft was a Cessna 421B, serial number 421B-????. The registered owner was Hat Investments LLC. Details of the aircraft's maintenance and history were documented in the investigation, but no pre-existing conditions were found that would have prevented the engines from operating normally at full power.
Medical and Pathological Information
Toxicology tests performed on the pilot were negative for ethanol and drugs, indicating no impairment from these substances.
Wreckage and Impact Information
The wreckage was examined at the site. The post-crash fire destroyed additional evidence that might have provided further understanding of the accident circumstances.
Probable Cause
The Air Accident Investigation Department determined that the probable cause of the accident was the pilot's failure to maintain control of the aircraft. The investigation also found that the aircraft was not producing required takeoff power at the time of the crash, but no pre-existing conditions prevented the engines from operating normally.