ill-Fated Flamingo Air Plane Was Preparing for Landing Before Crash

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Crash investigators now say the ill-fated Flamingo Air flight on July 10th appeared to be preparing to land when it went down, claiming the lives of all ten people on board.

KendalL Dorsett Jr. – Chief Investigator, AAIA

“It was determined that the landing gear was observed to be in an extended position, and the flaps were also observed to be in an extended position. So based on those observations, it would appear that the aircraft would have been configured for landing at the time of the accident.”

That’s one of the first major findings released by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Authority (AAIA), four days after the deadly crash near San Andros Airport.

Investigators say the Cessna 402C departed Lynden Pindling International Airport just after 12:30PM Friday afternoon, with one pilot and nine passengers on board.

AAIA Chief Investigator Kendall Dorsett Jr. says preliminary flight data shows the aircraft descended toward San Andros before striking trees, and coming to rest in a heavily wooded area.

Kendall Dorsett Jr. – Chief Investigator, AAIA

“ This area was to the west of runway…at a distance of approximately one nautical mile. The aircraft was destroyed by fire.”

All ten people on board were killed, and among them were five members of the popular Bahamian group, Da Pond Band, including band leader Giovanni McKenzie, Rashad Storr, Mateo Winder, Toniquea Gilot, and Tra’vis Johnson.

The other victims included Ocean Cay employees Quintin Myers and Macaro Rolle, pilot Franklyn Cambridge, 16-year-old Nicholas Oliver Jr., and popular DJ Melvin Henfield also known as the DJ Fresh.

As the investigation continues, Dorsett says the aircraft itself, particularly its engines, will be sent to the United States for further examination.

Kendall Dorsett Jr. – Chief Investigator, AAIA

“ Once we recover the aircraft, that’s when we transport it to the United States, and so that’s the main piece of evidence…the aircraft itself. But [also] photo documentation, taking of measurements, and observing the condition of the aircraft, that’s really what was the focus at that time.”

Officials also confirmed the aircraft was not equipped with a black box, something they say is not required for an aircraft of this size.

However, Dorsett says that will not hinder the investigation, as investigators have other evidence to help determine what caused the crash.

Kendall Dorsett Jr. – Chief Investigator, AAIA

“Certainly the evidence that we can collect, it does gives us an indication, and it provides enough information for us to come up with a determination of probable cause and other findings.”

Investigators say they will now review maintenance records, the pilot’s records, air traffic control communications, weather data, witness statements, fuel records, and human factors as they work to determine exactly what happened.

As for when families and the public can expect answers, officials say a preliminary report will be released in 30 days.