Bahamas Plane Crash on Independence Day Claims 10 Lives

Sun Sep 06 2026 02:50:29 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

A small aircraft crashed near San Andros Airport, killing nine passengers and its pilot, on the country’s 53rd independence anniversary.

A Cessna 402 operated by Flamingo Air lost power during a short trip from Lynden Pindling International to San Andros, crashing into bushes before landing. The incident killed nine passengers and the pilot, with a former survivor later dying from injuries. The crash took place on the day of the Bahamas’ 53rd Independence Day, prompting the Prime Minister to declare a day of mourning. Authorities have suspended Flamingo Air’s air‑operator certificate as a precaution after two safety incidents earlier that week, and the airline is cooperating with investigators.

Nine passengers and a pilot were killed when a small Cessna 402 operated by Flamingo Air crashed near San Andros Airport, officials announced.

The light aircraft, taking off from Lynden Pindling International Airport near Nassau on a short trip, reportedly lost power and crashed into bushes before attempting to land.

The fatal crash occurred on the 53rd anniversary of the Bahamas’ independence. Prime Minister Philip Davis said, “Today is a day of celebration but it has become a day of mourning.”

Davis first reported a surviving passenger, but later confirmed that the individual also died from injuries.

Names and ages of the victims have not been released yet.

Flamingo Air’s operator certificate was temporarily suspended by the Ministry of Aviation as a precautionary safety measure. The ministry clarified that this suspension does not indicate an adverse compliance action. It noted two prior safety incidents that week.

Aviation Minister JoBeth Coleby‑Davis said a plane had rerouted back to Nassau when the pilot reported an issue. The aircraft broke into flames after landing and passengers were evacuated, according to CBS News, a BBC partner.

The BBC has sought a comment from Flamingo Air. In a statement, the airline said it was gathering details and was committed to cooperating with authorities.