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September 19, 2010 · Piper PA-31-350 · N84859

South Bimini, BS

Overview

Report Status
Factual report
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 19, 2010
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (6 uninjured)
Location
South Bimini, BS
Aircraft
Piper PA-31-350
Tail Number
N84859
Operator
Pioneer Air Services
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA10WA489

On September 19, 2010, at 1440 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA31-350, N84859, registered to Spirit Air Inc, and operated by Pioneer Air Services was on initial climb out when the lower half of the main cabin door came open. The pilot reversed his course and returned to the departure airport, landing on runway 27. The right main landing gear tire blew out on the landing roll. The airplane went off the right side of the runway, struck a tree, caught fire and came to a complete stop. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and an instrument flight plan was filed. The commercial pilot and five passengers were not injured and the airplane received substantial damage. The flight originated from Bimini Airport, South Bimini Island, Bahamas, at 1435, and was operated in accordance with 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 135. The investigation is under the jurisdiction of the Bahamian Government. Further information pertaining to this accident may be obtained from: Manager of Flight Standards, Bahamas P.O. Box AP 59244 Nassau, N.P. Bahamas Phone: (242) 377-3445/3448 Facsimile: (242) 377-6060 This report is for information purposes only, and contains only information released by or obtained for the Bahamian Government.

Full Narrative

On September 19, 2010, at 1440 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA31-350, N84859, registered to Spirit Air Inc, and operated by Pioneer Air Services was on initial climb out when the lower half of the main cabin door came open. The pilot reversed his course and returned to the departure airport, landing on runway 27. The right main landing gear tire blew out on the landing roll. The airplane went off the right side of the runway, struck a tree, caught fire and came to a complete stop. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and an instrument flight plan was filed. The commercial pilot and five passengers were not injured and the airplane received substantial damage. The flight originated from Bimini Airport, South Bimini Island, Bahamas, at 1435, and was operated in accordance with 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 135. The investigation is under the jurisdiction of the Bahamian Government. Further information pertaining to this accident may be obtained from: Manager of Flight Standards, Bahamas P.O. Box AP 59244 Nassau, N.P. Bahamas Phone: (242) 377-3445/3448 Facsimile: (242) 377-6060 This report is for information purposes only, and contains only information released by or obtained for the Bahamian Government.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time18:40 UTC
Nearest AirportSouth Bimini Airport (0nm)
Runway27
Runway Length5409 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-31-350
Tail NumberN84859
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorPioneer Air Services
Operating RulePart 135
Engines2
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsReciprocating | Reciprocating
Seats8

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (6 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured6
Total6
Crew 1Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDawn
Wind80° @ 10 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Altimeter29.92 inHg
Observation Time18:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data