George Town

On February 3, 1998 at about 1200 eastern standard time, a Douglas DC3C, N200MF, registered to Missionary Flights International, as a 14 CFR Part 91 passenger flight experienced a total loss of engine power on both engines and made a forced landing 1 mile from the Greater Exuma Airport, Moss Town, Bahamas. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and an IFR flight plan was filed. The airplane sustained substantial damage. The airline transport pilot-in-command (PIC), commercial pilot first officer, and 24 passengers reported no injuries. The flight originated from Moss Town about 1 hour 52 minutes before the accident.

The twin engine aircraft was completing a charter flight from Sarasota to Cap Haïtien with an intermediate stop at George Town, Bahamas. Thirty minutes after takeoff from George Town Airport, while cruising at an altitude of 9,000 feet, the pilot informed ATC about the failure of the right engine and was cleared to divert to Matthew Town. On approach, the left engine also lost power and the aircraft entered an uncontrolled descent and crashed in the sea about 2 km offshore. The pilot was rescued and both passengers were killed.

Crashed in unknown circumstances in the sea off George Town. The crew was rescued and the aircraft sank and was lost.

Flight departed in instrument meteorological conditions. After departure pilot failed to maintain assigned headings several times and had to be corrected by ATC. After 15 minutes of flight the pilot reported he was having problems with the right engine and would like to return to the airport. ATC advised the pilot that Craig Airport was available and was currently reporting VFR conditions. Pilot stated he wanted to go to Jax int'l because the 4,000 feet runway at Craig was not long enough. Jax int'l was reporting IFR conditions. The pilot continued to have trouble holding headings while being vectored for an ILS approach. While in the downwind position for the approach the pilot asked ATC, 'how far is 982 from landing?'. As the aircraft was turned onto the localizer the pilot called and stated he had lost control and was in a spin. Post crash inspection of the right engine revealed the #5 cylinder had detonated until a hole was burned in the piston. Additionally the #5 and #6 rods had burn damage and the #6 rod bolts had failed in overload. The pilot was killed and both passengers were injured.

During the takeoff roll from George Town Airport, Exuma, one of the engine failed. Control was lost and the airplane veered off runway and came to rest. There were no casualties while the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

On approach to George Town Airport, following an uneventful flight from Lakeland, FL, both engines failed. The crew made a forced landing off airport on water approximately 7 miles from the destination. Both occupants were rescued while the airplane was lost.