PIPER PA23 near North Bimini — 2010-05-25

Probable cause

Investigated by a foreign authority; NTSB does not determine probable cause.

NTSB narrative

On May 25, 2010, at approximately 1830 eastern daylight time, a twin engine, Piper PA-23-250 airplane, N1526T, collided with power lines and crashed into the sea while flying at a low altitude shortly after takeoff from South Bimini Airport, South Bimini, Bahamas. The pilot and one passenger were killed and 2 persons on the ground received serious injuries. The airplane received substantial damage. Eyewitness stated "the aircraft took off from South Bimini International Airport on runway 09 and made a left turn towards North Bimini. Eyewitnesses also stated that the aircraft was flying approximately 20 feet above the water when it made contact with two sets of power and phone lines, severing the wings and spraying fuel on tree tops along its path, before crashing into the sea leaving nothing visible on the surface except small pieces of debris. Witnesses stated a fireball erupted after initial impact with the power lines and trees. A second fireball and explosion was created after the second impact with trees. Two persons on the beach were in the path of the crash and received serious injuries from burns about the body. The investigation is under the jurisdiction of the Bahamian Government. Further information pertaining to this accident may be obtained from: Manager of Flight Standards, Bahamas P.O. Box AP 59244 Nassau, N.P. Bahamas Phone: (242) 377-3445/3448 Facsimile: (242) 377-6060 This report is for information purposes only, and contains only information released by or obtained for the Bahamian Government.

Analysis

Primary failure mode

Loss of control

First missed decision gate

Pilot could have aborted takeoff to avoid low altitude flight.

Evidence available

• 1 docket document

Docket documents1

• Other Pertinent Forms and Reportsform