What happened
On the evening of November 8, 2018, a Piper Aztec PA-23-250, registration N8383C, departed West Palm Beach County Park Airport in Florida under instrument flight rules. The aircraft was en route to Lynden Pindling International Airport in New Providence, Bahamas, carrying a single pilot and a load of cargo.
During the flight, the aircraft experienced communication difficulties with both Miami and Nassau air traffic control centers. As the aircraft approached Nassau, communication improved, and the pilot successfully received landing clearance. However, while approximately five miles from the airport, the pilot notified Nassau controllers of an engine malfunction. Shortly after this report, the aircraft disappeared from radar coverage. The 406MHz emergency locator transmitter activated upon impact with the ocean, approximately 2.3 nautical miles from the approach end of Runway 14.
The investigation
The investigation by the AAID focused on the sequence of events leading to the loss of radar contact. Investigators noted that the aircraft's tail section was spotted floating on the water by the Royal Bahamas Defense Force shortly after the accident. While search and rescue operations involving the US Coast Guard, the Royal Bahamas Police Force, and BASRA were conducted, the aircraft and its occupants were not recovered. Due to the depth of the ocean at the crash site, the wreckage was not located until eight days later, when submerged components and cargo were found approximately 60 feet underwater near Nirvana Beach.
Findings
- The aircraft was properly registered in the United States and maintained in accordance with applicable regulations.
- The pilot held a valid Airline Transport Pilot license with appropriate ratings and a first-class medical certificate.
- The pilot reported an engine malfunction to air traffic control minutes before the aircraft disappeared from radar.
- The engine malfunction was a contributing factor to the loss of control in flight.
- The accident resulted in the loss of the pilot and the aircraft, which sank into deep water.
- Weather conditions were not a contributing factor to the accident.
Safety action
- The AAID recommended that the Government of The Bahamas fulfill its obligations under ICAO Annex 14 by establishing and implementing formal Search and Rescue standards, including the designation of an appropriate entity, providing oversight via the Bahamas Civil Aviation Authority, and establishing a Rescue Coordination Center.