Palm Beach Aviation

On July 10, 1995, about 1430 eastern daylight time, an Aero Commander 500, N89M, registered to Candy Yellow Apple, Inc., leased to and operated by Palm Beach Aviation, experienced separation of a propeller blade during the ground roll to takeoff from the Treasure Cay Airport, Treasure Cay, Bahamas. The nonscheduled, international, passenger flight was operating under 14 CFR Part 135. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and a VFR flight plan was filed for the flight. The airplane was substantially damaged and the airline transport- rated pilot and five passengers were not injured. One passenger was fatally injured. The flight was originating at the time of the accident.

While in level flight the pilot reported both engines failed and all attempts to restart them were unsuccessful. The pilot then ditched the airplane in the ocean, and it sank and was not recovered. The pilot and three passengers were rescued 2 days later. According to fuel consumption estimates there should have been adequate fuel for the entire flight and a reserve.

The aircraft descended into the water six and 1/2 miles southwest of Bridgeport, CT. The aircraft was on an ILS approach to runway 06. The aircraft was in communication with NY tracon arrival radar and on his initial call had indicated a desire for a clearance direct to Bridgeport. A brief radio exchange resulted in the desired clearance. There was no indication of any problems or low fuel state in the communication. Approximately 15 minutes after initial call, the controller was giving the final approach instructions to N100CT, after having used some turns and changes in airspeed to space the flight behind landing traffic, when radar and radio contact was lost. Post accident fuel calculations based on fuel aboard vs flight time en route and normal fuel consumption showed approximately 6 gallons of fuel remaining. The normal unusable fuel for this aircraft is 13 gallons which increases during maneuvering. Identifiable parts of the aircraft and some paper documents were recovered by the coast guard. The pilot's body was not recovered.

During initial climb at Treasure Cay Airport, one of the engine failed. Unable to maintain a positive rate of climb, the airplane struck trees and lost height. The pilot decided to ditch the airplane into the sea, less than two km northeast of the airfield. The pilot was slightly injured and the airplane was lost.