1 fatality

Pilot and Wreckage Not Recovered After Water Collision (N6138X)

Nassau, BahamasLanding (descent or approach)

On May 12, 1999, a Rockwell Aero Commander 500 (registration N6138X) operated by EEC Investments was involved in an aviation accident near Nassau, Bahamas during landing or approach. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: An in-flight collision with water for undetermined reasons, due to the wreckage never being recovered from the water. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-11Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft on approach performed an unauthorized 360-degree turn and was vectored to a different runway before losing contact. Debris including life jackets and a life raft were found, but the pilot and wreckage were never recovered from the water.

Flight Details

The flight was on approach, with the pilot in radio contact with approach control. For unknown reasons, the pilot executed a 360-degree turn without permission from the controller. Subsequently, the controller vectored the flight to a different runway. After the pilot acknowledged the new clearance, the controller lost all contact with the flight. Throughout radio communications, there was no indication that the pilot was experiencing mechanical or medical issues.

Search and Recovery

A search was initiated by air, and a debris field was located. Recovered items included five yellow life jackets, one six-man life raft, and several unidentified pieces of white and gold airframe. The pilot and the wreckage were never recovered from the water.

Investigation Findings

At the time of the accident, the pilot's license had been suspended by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Probable cause

An in-flight collision with water for undetermined reasons, due to the wreckage never being recovered from the water.