No fatalities

Engine Failure Leads to Ditching After Climb at Treasure Cay Airport (N3836C)

Treasure Cay, BahamasTakeoff (climb)

On May 17, 1979, a Rockwell Aero Commander 500 (registration N3836C) operated by Palm Beach Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Treasure Cay, Bahamas during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Engine failure during initial climb and subsequent ditching for undetermined reasons. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

During initial climb, an engine failed. The aircraft struck trees, lost height, and ditched into the sea near Treasure Cay Airport. The pilot was slightly injured and the aircraft was lost.

Incident Overview

During the initial climb phase at Treasure Cay Airport, one of the aircraft's engines failed. The airplane was unable to maintain a positive rate of climb, subsequently striking trees and losing altitude. The pilot then decided to ditch the airplane into the sea, less than two kilometers northeast of the airfield.

Injuries and Damage

The pilot sustained minor injuries. The aircraft was lost in the ditching.

Official Findings

The probable cause of the incident was determined to be an engine failure during initial climb and subsequent ditching for undetermined reasons. Contributing factors reported include failure to follow approved procedures, improper emergency procedures, complete engine failure, and hitting trees near the runway after the engine failure.