Report from Dec. 2 plane crash confirms right engine failure

Tue, Jan 20th 2015, 12:44 AM

The preliminary investigation into the December 2 crash that resulted in the death of an elderly American man confirmed that the aircraft experienced landing gear issues and right engine failure before it "ditched" in waters in southwestern New Providence.
According to the report, which was released by the Air Accident Investigation and Prevention Unit (AAIPU), the aircraft attempted to land at Lynden Pindling International Airport when it experienced difficulties.
"Reports indicate that the aircraft requested permission to fly by the tower to verify with Air Traffic Control on the status of the landing gears," the report said.
"Whilst flying around to resolve landing gear issues the aircraft then encountered a right engine failure making the aircraft difficult to maintain altitude, forcing the pilot to make an emergency landing on waters six nautical miles from land southwest of New Providence."
The report noted that the pilot and all of the passengers were able to evacuate and were rescued by small boaters in the area.
"The aircraft submerged in approximately 6,500 feet of water about two minutes after touchdown and evacuation," the report said.
"After the rescue process one male passenger became ill, experiencing breathing problems and subsequently expired and pronounced dead by medical personnel who responded to the accident scene."
All other passengers were transported to Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) for evaluation and treatment and were later released.
The investigator, Delvin Major, described the weather as "visual meteorological conditions", which means that the pilot had sufficient visibility to fly the aircraft.
Eleven people were onboard, including the pilot.
According to the report, the pilot, Rufus Ferguson, is a Bahamian who is certified by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration and the Bahamas Civil Aviation Department. He also has valid first class medical certificates as required by regulations.
Eyewitnesses hailed Ferguson as a hero following the crash.
The aircraft, which is registered to Ferg's Air, was operating a flight from Governor's Harbour, Eleuthera, to New Providence.
"The Air Accident Investigation and Prevention Unit of the Bahamas Civil Aviation Department is conducting the investigation but the wreckage is inaccessible to investigators," said the report.
It is unclear when the final report will be released.

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