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Bahamian airline Flamingo Air has had its Air Operators Certificate suspended following the crash of a Cessna 402 that killed all occupants onboard during a crash on July 10 after experiencing difficulties and crashed into bushland. The suspension remains in effect until the Civil Aviation Authority Bahamas can complete the full investigation as to what happened.
It has come to light that Flamingo Air experienced two incidents on Friday: the Cessna 402C that crashed en route to San Andros, while another incident where one of the airline’s Beech 99 another flight to Mayaguana had to return to Nassau (NAS) after experiencing onboard mechanical issues. On arrival in Nassau, it appears the plane had caught fire.
Ten Killed After A Flamingo Air Cessna 402 Went Down
On Friday, the fatal flight had crashed into the waters just west of Nassau in the area of North Andros. Initially, one person had survived the crash itself, however surcumed to their injuries and passed soon after. Victims’ names are yet to be identified.
The flight had departed from Nassau on Friday and was destined for San Andros when the Cessna 402C (C6-FLX), which was registered in the Bahamas, crashed into bushland in North Andros. As a precaution, the Bahamian Ministry of Energy, Utilities and Aviation released a statement noting that the suspension of Flamingo Air’s operator’s certificate was decided as a precautionary safety measure to allow the authorities the time to investigate the root cause of the crash. Bahamian Prime Minister Philip Brave Davis shared the following statement following the incident:
“We gather beneath a cloud of great sorrow. It has become a day of mourning. … To every family that has received the devastating news, that someone they love will not be coming home, we offer our deepest condolences.”
15 Minute Flight Turned Deadly
Looking at flight data for July 10, the flight was expected to be a short hop across the waterway separating Nassau on the island of New Providence and San Andros, on the North Andros island. The waterway separating the two is known as the Tongue of the Ocean, a large U-shaped trench in the Bahamas.
Usually, the flight takes just 15 minutes gate to gate, covering just 36 miles (58 km) in distance. The aircraft on Friday departed from Nassau at 12:31 PM and was expected to arrive at approximately 12:46 PM. The plane went down and ultimately killed everyone on board.
Flamingo Air operates a total of seven aircraft, which, according to ch-aviation, include four Beech 99, one DHC-6-200, and two Cessna 402. While its fleet is currently grounded, it is important to note that this does not suggest the airline has ceased operations. Flamingo Air has reportedly spoken with local media and released this statement:
“At this time, the details are being gathered, and we are committed to cooperating with the relevant authorities.”
Flamingo Air And Cessna 402 Details
The Cessna 402 is a non-pressurised, light twin-piston engine aircraft, which can accommodate nine passengers along with one pilot. It is popular as a commuter aircraft, and as originally certified on September 20, 1966. Flamingo Air’s Cessna 402C is a Utiliner/Businessliner, which has an increased takeoff weight and a longer wingspan. It includes hydraulic landing gear and Continental TSIO-520-VB 325 hp engines. This type was first certified in September 1978.
Flamingo Air is a small regional airline that operates flights in the Bahamas. The airline has its main base of operations at the Grand Bahama International Airport (FPO), which is the main international airport serving the city of Freeport. Operating scheduled services to several Bahamian islands, the airline also provides air charter services around the country and to the US state of Florida.
Following the Cessna 402C crash on Friday, this marks the deadliest aviation incident in Bahamian history, and the airline is currently working closely with authorities to allow a thorough investigation into the incident. Simple Flying extends its condolences to the families and friends of those who were affected by the crash.
