1 fatality

2021-04-16: Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain (N827RD) — Goyo Air — South Bimini, Bahamas

South Bimini, BahamasTakeoff (climb)

On April 16, 2021, a Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain (registration N827RD) operated by Goyo Air was involved in an aviation accident near South Bimini, Bahamas during takeoff. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Loss of control inflight (LOC-I), resulting in uncontrolled flight into terrain (ocean). The cause of the loss of control could not be determined. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781190099Data APIEditorial standards

A private flight crashed shortly after takeoff from South Bimini Airport. The pilot sustained serious injuries; the passenger died. Investigators determined loss of control inflight but could not identify the cause.

Accident Details

On an unspecified date, an aircraft crashed moments after takeoff from South Bimini International Airport (MYBS), Bimini, Bahamas. The private flight was en route to Opa Locka Airport (KOPF) in Opa Locka, Florida, USA. The pilot sustained serious injuries and was initially seen by medical personnel on South Bimini before being flown to Nassau, Bahamas for further treatment. The passenger, occupying the right seat, succumbed to injuries sustained during the initial impact, subsequent crash sequence, and submersion in waters at the end of the runway environment.

Pilot and Passenger Information

The pilot held a US commercial pilot certificate with ratings for airplane land, single- and multi-engine, as well as an instrument airplane rating. The pilot's medical certificate was valid at the time of the accident. The passenger, the pilot's son, also held a valid US private pilot certificate for single-engine land airplanes. It is unknown what role, if any, the passenger played during the takeoff-to-crash sequence.

Weather Conditions

The accident occurred at night under instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). A weak high-pressure ridge was forecast to dominate the weather over the Bahamas throughout the night, and no significant weather was anticipated.

Investigation and Probable Cause

The AAIA (presumably the investigating authority) determined the probable cause to be loss of control inflight (LOC-I), resulting in uncontrolled flight into terrain (ocean). The cause of this loss of control could not be determined.