Fmr. Aviation Safety Inspector Warns Bahamas Must Act on Safety Recommendations to Prevent Future Tragedies

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NASSAU BAHAMAS- Three months after a fatal plane crash in Andros claimed ten lives, the focus is now turning to what can be done to prevent another tragedy.

The Air Accident Investigation Authority has issued safety recommendations to the Civil Aviation Authority, while preparations continue to examine the aircraft’s engines and airframe in the United States.

The Cessna 402 crashed while approaching San Andros Airport on July 10, killing everyone on board.

Among the victims were members of Da Pond Band, a popular DJ, three Androsians, a teenager and the pilot.

In the aftermath, investigators have identified two areas requiring attention.

The first calls for airline operators to be in full compliance with regulations, along with more risk-based safety assessments.

But what does that actually mean?

Former Civil Aviation Inspector Captain Randy Butler explains.

Capt. Randy Butler – Former Civil Aviation Inspector

“Looking at the various operators to see if you’re having events like accidents or incidents. If those things are escalating, then they put them on escalated [surveillance]. So, where they have been doing inspections four times a year on schedule, they may increase that depending on what they’re seeing as risks.”

Another recommendation focuses on stronger oversight of safety incidents and more frequent surveillance during busy domestic travel periods.

That includes holidays, regattas and homecomings, when demand for inter-island travel typically increases.

Butler says this is particularly important.

Capt. Randy Butler – Former Aviation Safety Inspector

“Especially, we live in an archipelagic nation. Civil Aviation, again, said they will set up a satellite office to increase the office times. Again, the Accident Investigation Authority says the measures are acceptable, but we leave this open until we see this implemented and demonstrated.”

But while regulatory oversight is one part of the equation, Butler says access to reliable air service is another.

In many Family Island communities, residents still turn to chartered or unlicensed aircraft, often referred to as hackers, when scheduled airline options are limited.

And he believes expanding access to larger, reliable aircraft and more commercial air service must also be part of the conversation.

Capt. Randy Butler – Former Aviation Safety Inspector

“Everybody has to come to Nassau for banking, hospital, doctor, emergency flight, and so the government has to step up here to bring Bahamasair back or make sure there are other airline carriers.”

Butler says implementing the recommendations is critical to preventing another tragedy.

Capt. Randy Butler – Former Aviation Safety Inspector

“And why these safety recommendations are so important is, as the NTSB chair said, if the regulator does not pick up the safety recommendations from the accident, we will be back here having the same discussion again.”

And while investigators continue to work to determine what caused the crash, the bigger question is what lasting changes will be made to the way domestic aviation is regulated.