What happened
On the morning of December 2, 2014, a Piper PA-31-350 Navajo, registered C6-REV, was conducting a flight from Governor’s Harbour, Eleutheria, to Nassau. The aircraft, operated by Southern Air Limited, was carrying 11 people in total. During the approach to runway 09 at Lynden Pindling International Airport, the pilot noticed that the left main landing gear light failed to indicate a down and locked position. Following an aborted landing attempt, the crew attempted to troubleshoot the gear by cycling the landing gear and using the emergency hand pump.
While the air traffic controller provided visual confirmation that the gear appeared extended, the aircraft encountered further complications during a subsequent downwind approach. The pilot reported that the right engine failed and could not be restarted. Due to the loss of power, the aircraft was unable to maintain level flight. To avoid obstacles and trees near the airport, the pilot elected to ditch the aircraft in the water approximately 6 nautical miles from the shore.
Upon impact with the ocean, the aircraft struck the water several times with significant force, particularly on the port side. While most occupants managed to evacuate the sinking vessel, the process was difficult as many passengers struggled with swimming. The aircraft submerged within approximately one minute. The incident resulted in one fatality and several injuries.
Findings
- The aircraft experienced a right engine failure during the landing approach.
- The pilot chose to ditch in the water to avoid terrain and obstacles near the runway.
- The aircraft settled at a depth exceeding 6,500 feet and could not be recovered.