What happened
On February 7, 2017, a Saab 340A, registered as C6-HBW, was operating a scheduled commercial flight from Grand Bahama International Airport to Nassau. Shortly after the start of the takeoff roll, the aircraft experienced a failure in the left main and left essential electrical DC buses.
In response to these electrical malfunctions, the crew decided to return to the airfield. During the return, the crew attempted to diagnose the failures but failed to manage the situation effectively. The initial electrical issues escalated into further compound failures. During the landing on runway 06, the left main landing gear collapsed, causing the aircraft to exit the runway.
There were 34 people on board the aircraft, including 31 passengers and 3 crew members. While the aircraft sustained damage, there were 3 minor injuries reported among the passengers.
The investigation
The investigation conducted by the AAID examined the flight data, cockpit voice recordings, and the crew's response to the emergency. Investigators analyzed the aircraft's electrical systems, the maintenance of the landing gear, and the training and oversight provided by the Bahamas Civil Aviation Authority (BCAA) and the operator, Western Air Limited. The investigation also reviewed the adequacy of the checklists and the cockpit environment during the emergency.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was ineffectly managed crew resource management and an unstable approach that led to the landing gear failure.
- The crew demonstrated inadequate knowledge of the aircraft's electrical systems.
- The crew failed to follow sterile cockpit procedures, engaging in inappropriate conversation during the emergency.
- The approach was non-stabilized, with the pilot intentionally increasing speed because the aircraft lacked flaps for landing.
- The crew failed to properly execute the "Before Landing" and emergency checklists.
- There was a lack of situational awareness and a failure to diagnose and remedy the multiple system failures in a timely manner.
- The crew's rush to land prevented them from exploring options to verify the security of the landing gear.
- Regulatory oversight by the BCAA was found to be ineffective in monitoring the operator's training and procedural compliance.