A devastating plane crash in the Bahamas on Friday claimed the lives of 10 people, including beloved members of a local band and a DJ, prompting the government to suspend flight operations for the airline involved and launch a federal safety investigation. The crash, which occurred in North Andros, is one of two aviation incidents that have shaken the island nation.
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Authority (AAIA) reported that a Cessna 402 aircraft with Bahamian registration departed Lynden Pindling International Airport in Nassau shortly after 1 p.m. local time, bound for San Andros Airport. The plane encountered difficulties and crashed into dense bushes before landing. First responders, including the Royal Bahamas Police Force, Airport Authority personnel, and emergency medical teams, rushed to the remote crash site.
The Bahamas Musicians and Entertainers Union confirmed in a statement on Saturday that the victims included prominent members of «The Pond Band» and a local DJ, whose artistry, the union said, «touched so many lives and helped to enrich the cultural fabric of The Bahamas.» Bahamian Prime Minister Philip Brave Davis confirmed that a sole survivor was pulled from the wreckage. «Ann and I are praying for the families who are now facing unbearable grief,» Davis wrote on X. «We are also praying for the survivor, whose recovery and care will remain in our thoughts.»
While the AAIA's preliminary reports initially indicated seven people were on board, officials are still working to establish the facts of the flight manifest. The identities of those killed have not yet been released. The crash is under investigation by AAIA investigators and inspectors from the Civil Aviation Authority Bahamas (CAAB), who remain at the scene in North Andros.
Just hours before the fatal crash, a separate incident involving Flamingo Air occurred. A flight en route to Mayaguana was forced to turn back to Nassau after the pilot reported a concern, according to the Ministry of Energy, Utilities and Aviation (MoET). After the aircraft landed and passengers safely deplaned, the plane caught fire on the runway. No injuries were reported in that incident.
Following the two back-to-back safety incidents, the CAAB temporarily suspended Flamingo Air's Air Operator Certificate, according to MoET officials. The agency stated that the suspension is a precautionary safety measure and should not be treated as an adverse compliance action against Flamingo Air. Flamingo Air did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The double aviation crisis has sent shockwaves through the Bahamas, a nation heavily reliant on air travel for inter-island connectivity. The loss of the musicians, who were well-known figures in the local entertainment scene, has added a layer of grief to the tragedy. The union's statement highlighted the cultural impact of the victims, noting that their contributions to music and entertainment were deeply woven into the community.
Prime Minister Davis expressed condolences and emphasized the government's commitment to ensuring safety in the aviation sector. The AAIA is leading the investigation into the cause of the Cessna 402 crash, with a focus on determining whether mechanical failure, pilot error, or other factors were involved. The suspension of Flamingo Air's operations is expected to remain in place until the investigations are complete and safety concerns are addressed.
The crash is one of the deadliest aviation incidents in the Bahamas in recent years. In 2019, a small plane crash in the Abaco Islands killed nine people, including two Americans. The latest tragedy underscores the challenges of maintaining aviation safety in a region where small aircraft are a vital lifeline for transportation between islands.
As the investigation continues, the Bahamian community mourns the loss of the musicians and the DJ, whose work brought joy to many. The survivor, whose condition has not been disclosed, remains in care. The AAIA has urged anyone with information about the flight to come forward to assist in the probe.
