Overview
At 0444Z on May 24, 2006, Miami Air Traffic Control Center (George Town Sector) notified Nassau Air Traffic Control that Lifeguard flight N475AT, a Westwind WW-1124 jet, reported generator problems while en route from San Juan, Puerto Rico to Norfolk, Virginia. The aircraft requested to land at the nearest suitable airport. Miami Center vectored the flight to Exuma International Airport in Great Exuma, Bahamas, the nearest airfield. Nassau ATC attempted to contact authorities at Exuma to activate the runway lights.
History of the Flight
At 0454Z, Miami Center reported losing contact with N475AT. Before Miami could issue further instructions, the aircraft proceeded with an emergency landing at Exuma International Airport. Following the landing, the pilot lost control of the aircraft, resulting in the accident.
Generator Malfunction Reports
After the accident, the owner of the aircraft stated that the pilot contacted him via satellite phone. The pilot reported that one generator had failed entirely and the other was only producing 67 amps of electrical power. As the flight continued, irregular electrical behavior occurred, described by the pilot as “funny things happening.”
Investigation
The Bahamas Department of Civil Aviation’s Flight Standards Inspectorate conducted the investigation. Participants included representatives from the aircraft manufacturer, Israel Aircraft Industries. The investigation examined the circumstances of the accident, but the final report did not identify a probable cause.