2 fatalities

Pilot Loses Control and Crashes Into Sea During Adverse Weather Near Bimini (N4900)

Bahamas, BahamasFlight

On October 12, 1972, a Rockwell Grand Commander 680 (registration N4900) operated by Flamingo Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Bahamas, Bahamas in flight. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Uncontrolled descent and crash in water after the pilot-in-command continued under VFR mode into adverse weather conditions. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

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

A pilot continued VFR flight into severe weather, lost control, and crashed into the sea. Wreckage and two bodies found 13 days later. Probable cause: uncontrolled descent due to spatial disorientation, turbulence, and inadequate preflight preparation.

Incident Overview

A flight from Bimini to Nassau ended in a crash into the sea while cruising in very poor weather conditions. The pilot lost control of the airplane, leading to an uncontrolled descent and impact with the water. The wreckage and the bodies of both occupants were discovered 13 days later, a few kilometers offshore.

Weather Conditions

At the time of the accident, the weather was characterized by thunderstorm activity and turbulence. Visibility was reported to be zero, with rain and associated cloud disturbances.

Probable Cause

According to the official investigation, the probable cause of the accident was an uncontrolled descent and crash into water after the pilot-in-command continued flying under visual flight rules (VFR) into adverse weather conditions. The following contributing factors were identified: spatial disorientation, turbulence associated with clouds and thunderstorm activity, inadequate preflight preparation, thunderstorm activity and rainfall, and zero visibility.