Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 402 near Nassau — 2010-10-05

Final reportERA11WA008
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Date
2010-10-05
Location
Nassau, BS
Airport
MYNN
Aircraft
CESSNA 402
Registration
C6NLH
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
9
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

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

NTSB narrative

On October 5, 2010, about 1236 Atlantic standard time, a Cessna 402C, Bahamian registration C6-NLH, registered to and operated by Lebocruise Air Limited, crashed into Lake Killarney shortly after takeoff from the Lynden Pindling International Airport (MYNN), Nassau, Bahamas. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and a visual flight rules (VFR) flight plan was filed for the non-U.S., non-commercial flight from MYNN to the San Salvador Airport (MYSM), Cockburn Town, Bahamas. The airplane sustained substantial damage, and the certificated commercial pilot, co-pilot, and 7 passengers were killed. The flight originated about 1233, from MYNN. The pilot was cleared to takeoff from runway 14, and according to the pilot of an airplane who was behind the accident airplane waiting to takeoff, white colored smoke was observed trailing the left engine during takeoff. The tower controller reportedly informed the accident pilot of the smoke and the accident pilot stated to the controller he needed to return to the airport and requested runway 27. While returning to the airport, a pilot-rated witness reported seeing the airplane in a “hard over” bank to the left followed by the airplane pitching nose down. The airplane crashed into the lake approximately 1,000 feet abeam the approach threshold of runway 32. The investigation is under the jurisdiction of the Government of the Bahamas. Any further information pertaining to this accident may be obtained from: Manager of Flight Standards Inspectorate, 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
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted takeoff upon noticing smoke from the left engine.

NTSB coding

  • Loss of control in flight · Maneuvering
  • Loss of Control While Maneuvering

Evidence available

  • 1 docket document
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents1

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