Investigators observed “numerous potholes” at General Aviation Center
NASSAU, BAHAMS – A Piper Aztec C6-TIM with two people on board collided into the ground at the Nassau International General Aviation Center at Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA) nearly two weeks ago after the plane’s nose fell into a pothole, a report completed by the Air Accident Investigation Department (AAID) reveals.
The incident, classified as a ground collision accident, occurred around 10 a.m.
The report was completed on May 24, and released yesterday.
According to the AAID, the pilot reported that during his taxi on the ramp at the General Aviation Center, while taxing to a parking spot, the nose gear fell into a pothole that was obscured due to the standing water in the ramp area.
“The pot hole contact resulted in the nose gear collapsing, causing damage to the nose of the aircraft, both propellers and possibly both engines,” the report read.
No one was injured during the incident.
The weather at the time of the collision was “visual meteorological conditions”, however, the airport ramp area contained a substantial amount of standing water dur to previous rain showers, the AAID said.
As a result of its investigation, the AAID made two urgent safety recommendations.
It advised Odyssey Aviation, the operator of the General Aviation Center, to correct the standing water condition as well as address the “numerous potholes” observed during the on-site investigation.
The report continued, “During the course of our investigation, note was taken of various sections of the ramp area at the General Aviation Center where potholes were present that posed a potential threat to maneuvering aircraft; especially during wet conditions in the aftermath of rain where these potholes are filled with standing water and are unable to be seen (as was the case in this accident).
“The AAID recommends that Odyssey Aviation takes measures to address the hazardous condition of the paved surfaces in the ramp area at the General Aviation Center.”
The AAID also recommended that the Bahamas Civil Aviation Authority, which has responsibility and oversight of aerodrome operators to ensure that operators under its purview comply with regulations identifying and mitigating safety hazard and risks when reported.
“The AAID recommends the BCAA increase its surveillance activities to ensure aerodrome operators are complying with their obligation to mitigate hazards within their facilities in accordance with the Bahamas Civil Aviation General Regulations (CAGR),” the AAID noted.
