PIPER PA-31-350

South Bimini, September 19, 2010

Event Information

DateSeptember 19, 2010
Event TypeACC
LocationSouth Bimini
CountryBF
Coordinates25.70000, -79.26500
AirportSouth Bimini Airport
Highest InjuryNONE
NTSB NumberERA10WA489
Event ID20100920X31404

Aircraft

MakePIPER
ModelPA-31-350
Registration #N84859
OperatorPioneer Air Services
OwnerSPIRIT AIR INC
CategoryAIR
FAR Part135
Aircraft DamageSUBS

Conditions

Light ConditionDAWN
WeatherVMC

Injuries

Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
None6
Total Injured0

Event Location

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.

About This NTSB Record

This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.

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