History of the Flight
On August 23, 2010, at approximately 9:45 a.m. local time (1345 UTC), a Piper PA-23-250 aircraft, registration N20373, departed Walkers Cay, Abaco, Bahamas, en route to Freeport International Airport, Grand Bahama. The aircraft was operated by Cambridge Air Inc, based in Wilmington, Delaware. While in flight, the aircraft experienced fuel starvation, leading to a loss of control. The accident occurred about 23 nautical miles north of Grand Bahama.
Aircraft Information
The aircraft was a Piper PA-23-250 (Aztec), serial number not specified, registered to Cambridge Air Inc in the United States. The aircraft was manufactured by Piper and powered by Lycoming engines. No specific information on maintenance history or fuel quantities was provided in the report.
Injuries and Damage
The report does not specify the number of occupants or injuries. According to the investigation, the aircraft sustained substantial damage consistent with a crash sequence. There was no post-impact fire.
Personnel Information
The pilot's qualifications and experience were noted in the investigation. The report highlighted issues regarding the pilot's training and the fact that the operation was conducted without an authorized air taxi operator certificate. The pilot held a valid medical certificate at the time of the accident, but no further details were provided in the source.
Investigation Findings
The Air Accident Investigation and Prevention Unit (AAIPU) of the Bahamas Civil Aviation Department conducted the investigation. The analysis focused on fuel starvation/exhaustion as the primary cause. The investigation revealed that the aircraft's fuel system was consistent with the type, and the critical engine characteristics were examined to understand the loss of control. The report also discussed asymmetrical yaw resulting from engine failure.
Probable Cause
The probable cause of the accident was determined to be fuel starvation/fuel exhaustion, which led to a loss of control.