ERA15WA067

On December 2, 2014, about 0845 eastern standard time, a Piper PA-31-350, Bahamian registration C6-REV, operated as Southern Air Flight 302, was destroyed after ditching and submerging in the ocean after a loss of engine power on its right engine while maneuvering for landing at Lynden Pindling International Airport (MYNN), Nassau, Bahamas. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and visual flight rules flight plan was filed. The passenger flight departed from Govenour's Harbour Eleuthera (MYEM), Governor's Harbour, Bahamas. The pilot and passengers successfully egressed the airplane and were rescued, but one passenger later died due to a medical emergency. According to the Air Accident Investigation & Prevention Unit (AAIPU) of the Bahamas Civil Aviation Department, the airplane was on a visual approach to MYNN when it experienced "landing gear problems." The pilot conducted a fly-by of the air traffic control tower to gain visual confirmation of the status of the landing gear before he maneuvered for a second attempt to land. While maneuvering, the right engine stopped producing power. The pilot reported that it then became "difficult to maintain altitude" and that he was forced to perform an emergency landing to the water 6 miles from shore. This accident investigation is under the jurisdiction of Air Accident Investigation & Prevention Unit (AAIPU) of the Bahamas Civil Aviation Department. Any further information pertaining to this accident may be obtained from: Delvin R. Major Investigator-In-Charge (IIC) Tel: 242-376-1617, 242-377-3445/8 or email: aaipu.bcaa@gmail.com or website: www.aaipu-bcaa.com P. O. Box AP-59018 Upstairs old Airport Terminal, Lynden Pindling International Airport Nassau, N. P., Bahamas This report is for informational purposes only, and contains only information released by or obtained from the Government of Bahamas.