On May 11, 1984, a Rockwell Aero Commander 500 (registration N8457C) operated by Hawk Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Rat Cay, Bahamas in flight. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The cause of the crash remains undetermined, though the aircraft was engaged in an illegal flight carrying contraband. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A single-engine aircraft crashed into the ocean approximately 17 km from Rat Cay Island while traveling from The Bahamas toward Florida, resulting in one fatality.
What happened
During a flight originating in The Bahamas and destined for Florida, a twin engine airplane went down in the ocean. The wreckage was located roughly 17 km away from Rat Cay Island. At the time of the accident, the aircraft was being operated as an unauthorized flight. The pilot, who was the only person on board the aircraft at the time of the crash, sustained fatal injuries.
Findings
Investigations into the incident revealed that the aircraft was carrying contraband at the time of its disappearance. The crash occurred in the sea under circumstances that remain unconfirmed, though the presence of illegal cargo and the unauthorized nature of the flight were noted by authorities. The single fatality was recorded as the pilot of the vessel.
Probable cause
The cause of the crash remains undetermined, though the aircraft was engaged in an illegal flight carrying contraband.
What happened in the 11 May 1984 Rockwell Aero Commander 500 accident near Rat Cay, Bahamas?
A single-engine aircraft crashed into the ocean approximately 17 km from Rat Cay Island while traveling from The Bahamas toward Florida, resulting in one fatality.
Were there any fatalities in the 11 May 1984 Rockwell Aero Commander 500 accident?
The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 11 May 1984 involved a Rockwell Aero Commander 500, registration N8457C, operated by Hawk Aviation, at Rat Cay, Bahamas.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The cause of the crash remains undetermined, though the aircraft was engaged in an illegal flight carrying contraband.
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