Ten killed in Cessna crash on Bahamas' Andros Island

A Flamingo Air Cessna 402 (registration C6-FLX) crashed shortly after take-off from Lynden Pindling International Airport in Nassau on Friday, July 10, while en route to San Andros Airport on Andros Island. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Authority (AAIA) said the aircraft encountered difficulties and struck bushes in North Andros before crashing.

Royal Bahamas Police, airport officials and emergency medical teams responded to the scene. Initial AAIA figures listed seven deaths, but Prime Minister Philip Brave Davis later confirmed ten people were aboard, one of whom survived the impact but later died, according to Police Commissioner Shanta Knowles.

The Bahamas Musicians and Entertainers Union reported that several local musicians and a DJ were among those killed. Identities have not been released pending notification of families.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation. On the same day, another Flamingo Air flight bound for Mayaguana returned to Nassau after the pilot reported a concern; the aircraft caught fire after landing, but no injuries were reported. The Civil Aviation Authority has temporarily suspended Flamingo Air’s Air Operator Certificate as a precaution while the AAIA continues its inquiry.

Authorities have asked anyone with information to contact the AAIA.