Accident Overview
On Tuesday, December 2, 2014, at approximately 8:45 am (1345Z), a Piper PA-31-350 Navajo, registration C6-REV, operated by Southern Air Limited as Flight 302, ditched in waters about 6 nautical miles from shore in the southwestern district of New Providence. The flight had departed Governor’s Harbour, Eleuthera (MYEM) at about 8:15 am with 10+1 persons on board in visual meteorological conditions.
Landing Gear Problem
At around 8:30 am, while 15 nautical miles east of Lynden Pindling International Airport at 4,500 feet, the crew contacted Nassau Air Traffic Control and was instructed that runway 09 was in use. On final approach to runway 09, the landing gear was selected to the “EXTEND” position, but only the nose and right main landing gear lights indicated “down and locked.” The left main landing gear light did not illuminate. The landing was aborted, and the pilot requested a go-around to recycle and troubleshoot the gear. The pilot made a left turn, flew over the northwestern shoreline, and recycled the gear several times, also using the emergency hand pump. Despite these efforts, the left main gear light still did not indicate a safe “down and locked” position. The tower then allowed the aircraft to fly by for a visual inspection; the controller advised that all gear “appeared to be extended.” The pilot proceeded outbound for another approach, making a right turn over the southwestern shoreline and entering a downwind leg for runway 09.
Engine Failure and Ditching
While on the downwind, the pilot reported problems with the right engine. The engine eventually stopped, and all restart attempts failed. With only one engine operating, level flight could not be maintained even after retracting the landing gear and cleaning up the aircraft. The pilot decided to ditch in the water rather than attempt to reach the airport, citing numerous trees and obstacles that would make a landing more difficult if the runway could not be reached.
Evacuation and Rescue
After touching down on the water, most occupants evacuated through normal and emergency exits before the aircraft sank. One passenger died during the evacuation. A witness reported that the plane skipped across the water three times before rotating and hitting with severe impact. The port (left) tail section and port side received the bulk of the impact. The witness stated that the passenger who died and luggage from the baggage compartment were ejected from the rear on the port side. Multiple passengers could not swim or had very limited ability. Although the aircraft was equipped with a full complement of life vests, only two were taken out. Passengers held onto bags and debris that floated out as the aircraft submerged. Survivors assisted each other until rescuers arrived. The entire plane disappeared underwater within 30 to 60 seconds after impact. The water depth at the accident site was reported to be in excess of 6,500 feet. The aircraft was not recovered, preventing confirmation of safety concerns raised by witnesses.
Investigation Findings
The AAIPU determined the probable causes of the accident were engine failure and the inability of the aircraft to maintain a safe altitude. A contributing factor was the failure of the left main landing gear. The investigation found that weather was not a factor; air traffic services were proper; the pilot was properly certified, trained, and qualified; the Police and emergency services response was timely and effective; and the aircraft was properly maintained in accordance with applicable regulations.