In brief
A Cessna 402 operated by Flamingo Air crashed near San Andros Airport, killing all ten people on board. The accident happened on the day of the Bahamas' 53rd independence anniversary, prompting Prime Minister Philip Davis to call the event a day of mourning. Authorities said the aircraft encountered difficulties before landing, leading to a crash into adjacent bushes. Flamingo Air had previously grounded the plane after a safety incident a week earlier, and its air‑operator certificate was temporarily suspended as a precaution. Sources say the crash investigators are still gathering details, and the airline has pledged cooperation.
Ten people lost their lives in a small plane crash early on Sunday in the Bahamas. The Cessna 402 aircraft, operated by Flamingo Air, was traveling from Lynden Pindling International Airport to San Andros Airport when it encountered sudden difficulties and collided with a bush prior to landing.
The fatal accident occurred on the day of the nation’s 53rd independence anniversary, prompting Prime Minister Philip Davis to describe the event as a “day of mourning.” He further said, “Once again, a chapter in our nation’s story has been marked by tragedy.”
Initial statements suggested a sole survivor, but the survivor later died from injuries. The identities, ages and nationalities of those on board are still undisclosed.
Flamingo Air’s fleet had recently experienced two safety incidents on Friday; the Ministry of Aviation is temporarily suspending its air‑operator certificate, a precautionary measure rather than punitive action.
Aviation Minister JoBeth Coleby‑Davis reported that the aircraft had returned to Nassau when the pilot reported a problem. A subsequent fire broke out after the aircraft landed and passengers disembarked. Flamingo Air said it is gathering details and cooperating with authorities.
Investigations are ongoing, and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
