Overview
On May 24, 2006, a Westwind Jet (WW-1124) registered as N475AT, operating as Lifeguard Flight, made an emergency landing at Exuma International Airport, Great Exuma, Bahamas. The aircraft had experienced generator problems while en route from San Juan, Puerto Rico, to Norfolk, Virginia, prompting the crew to divert to the nearest airport.
Flight Details
The flight was en route at an unspecified altitude when the generator issue arose. The crew contacted Miami Air Traffic Control (ATC) at 0444Z, reporting the problem and requesting a diversion. Miami Center vectored the aircraft toward Exuma International Airport, identified as the nearest suitable airport. Nassau ATC attempted to contact authorities at Exuma to activate the runway lights.
Accident Sequence
At 0454Z, Miami ATC lost radio contact with the aircraft. Subsequently, N475AT proceeded with an emergency landing without further instructions. The aircraft touched down but failed to stop on the runway, coming to rest approximately 800 feet beyond the end of Runway 30 and about 300 feet to the right of the extended centerline. During the overrun, the landing gear sheared off as the aircraft exited the paved surface, traversed a clearing, and entered bushes on the right side of the runway. The right wing struck a mound of dirt, causing the aircraft to spin uncontrollably and eventually come to rest on an easterly heading at an approximate 30-degree incline.
Aftermath
Occupants evacuated from the wreckage and received minor injuries while making their way through thick brush and shrubbery to safety. All crew members held Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) ratings, and their proficiency checks were found to be valid and current. Neither pilot was available for an interview during the field investigation.
Investigation
The official investigation by the Department of Civil Aviation could not determine the probable cause. The aircraft was stripped of its components, instrumentation, manuals, and cockpit voice recorder by the owners without authorization from accident investigators. Documents and manuals requested from the owners were never provided. The assistance of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) was sought to retrieve documents, but all efforts were unsuccessful.