History of Flight
On June 19, 2016, at approximately 4:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, a Piper Aztec PA-23-250, registration N63ZZ, departed South Bimini International Airport for Marsh Harbour, Abaco, under visual flight rules in visual meteorological conditions. Shortly after takeoff, the right engine failed, prompting the pilot to return for landing. During the approach to runway 10, another aircraft was present on the runway preparing to depart. The pilot, having no communication with that aircraft, initiated a go-around. While executing the go-around, the aircraft pitched up, lost control, rolled left, and crashed into dense bushes about half a mile southeast of the airport.
Injuries and Damage
The two occupants of the aircraft sustained fatal injuries, both with severe burns. The aircraft was destroyed by impact forces and a post-crash fire that engulfed the wreckage.
Probable Cause and Contributing Factors
The Bahamas Air Accident Investigation Department determined that the probable cause of the accident was loss of control, attributed to a stalled condition while attempting to execute a go-around maneuver. Contributing factors included loss of situational awareness, failure to maintain directional control during the go-around, and toxicology findings that could not rule out a sudden cardiac event as a possible contributing factor.