What happened
On the morning of April 19, 2019, a Piper PA-23-250, registered N71CF, was performing a private flight from Freeport, Grand Bahama, to Walkers Cay, Abaco. While the aircraft was landing on runway 09 at Walkers Cay Airport, the pilot encountered a powerful gust of wind. This sudden wind movement caused the aircraft to veer toward the left side of the runway, leading to a runway excursion.
During the excursion, the left main landing gear collapsed. The impact and subsequent movement caused additional damage to the left propeller and the left flap. The aircraft was carrying a total of six people, including the pilot and five passengers; however, there were no injuries reported following the event.
The investigation
The AAID conducted a limited-scope field investigation into the incident. Investigators examined the circumstances of the landing and the environmental conditions at the time of the occurrence. The investigation confirmed the sequence of events involving the wind gust and the resulting mechanical damage to the undercarriage and propeller of the PA-23-250.