In brief
A small aircraft operated by Flamingo Air crashed into a bush near San Andros Airport, killing all ten aboard. The accident happened as the plane was making a short trip from Lynden Pindling International Airport on Independence Day, turning a celebratory day into one of mourning. Prime Minister Philip Davis publicly mourned the loss and the government has temporarily suspended Flamingo Air’s operating licence as a precaution. Investigators are probing the incident, which followed two prior safety incidents involving the airline earlier that week.
A Cessna 402 piloted by Flamingo Air crashed into a bush near San Andreas Airport, killing nine passengers and the pilot. The accident unfolded as the aircraft was preparing for a brief trip from Lynden Pindling International Airport to San Andreas.
The tragedy unfolded on the 53rd anniversary of the Bahamas’ independence, prompting Prime Minister Philip Davis to call the day "a day of mourning" during a media gathering. Initial reports mentioned a lone survivor, but later confirms that all passengers perished.
The Bahamas Ministry of Aviation has temporarily suspended Flamingo Air’s operating licence as a precaution. The airline said it was coordinating with authorities and gathering details about the incident.
The aircraft’s final flight reportedly hit difficulty, landed into a bush, and a fire broke out after passengers had disembarked. Safety officials identified two incidents on the prior Friday involving the airline.
