History of Flight
On November 8, 2018, at approximately 7:26 PM Eastern Standard Time, a Piper Aztec PA-23-250 (registration N8383C, serial number 27-4412) departed West Palm Beach County Park Airport (KLNA) on an instrument flight plan bound for Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA/MYNN) in Nassau, New Providence, Bahamas. The aircraft carried one pilot and an undetermined amount of cargo.
En route, both Nassau and Miami air traffic control centers experienced communication difficulties with the aircraft. Other aircraft in the vicinity attempted to relay instructions. As the flight neared Nassau, communications improved, and the pilot received and acknowledged landing clearance. Approximately 5 miles from the airport, the pilot reported to Nassau ATC that he was experiencing an engine malfunction. Shortly afterward, the aircraft disappeared from radar coverage.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The accident aircraft was a Piper Aztec PA-23-250, a twin-engine light aircraft. The report notes that the aircraft's 406-megahertz emergency locator transmitter (ELT) activated on impact with the water. The pilot's information is not detailed in the source. The aircraft's weight and balance data were not provided in the source.
Communications
Communications between the aircraft and air traffic control were problematic during the flight. Miami and Nassau centers had difficulty reaching the pilot, and other aircraft assisted in relaying messages. After entering Nassau airspace, the pilot successfully received instructions and landing clearance. The final transmission from the pilot indicated an engine malfunction.
Wreckage and Impact
The crash site was approximately 2.3 nautical miles from the approach end of Runway 14 at Lynden Pindling International Airport, in the area of Nirvana Beach. The aircraft sank into the ocean and was never recovered due to water depth. Major parts, components, the pilot, and an undetermined amount of cargo were unaccounted for. The ELT activated upon impact, alerting Nassau ATC, which initiated search and rescue efforts.
Investigation
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Department (AAID) conducted the investigation under ICAO Annex 13. The report states that the purpose was not to apportion blame but to draw lessons. The source does not explicitly state a probable cause.