Sunday, December 14, 2014

Crash Probe Puts Focus On Pilots: Learjet 35A, N17UF, Diplomat Aviation (Bahamas) Ltd., accident occurred November 09, 2014 in Freeport, Bahamas

Officials have completed their analysis into the cockpit voice recorder and digital electronic engine monitors on board the plane that crashed in Grand Bahama over a month ago, killing prominent pastor Dr.  Myles Munroe and eight others.
The Tribune has learned that their results are in line with the conclusions of the preliminary report into the crash, which was released nearly three weeks ago.

That report revealed that the accident on November 9 took place while the pilots attempted to land the aircraft amid difficult weather conditions.

Department of Civil Aviation officers met officials of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Bombardier – the manufacturer of the aircraft – at the headquarters of the National Transportation Safety Board this week to process the investigation and formally analyze the relevant technology.

Having found results that support their initial conclusions, the team will now switch their focus to gaining insights into the lives of the plane’s pilots, Captain Stanley Thurston and First Officer Frahkan Cooper, during the pilots’ final few weeks.

They could begin interviewing family members of the pilot and co-pilot as early as next week.

According to a source close to the investigation who spoke to The Tribune on the condition of anonymity, while weather reduced visibility on the evening in question, the decisions the pilots made – or did not make – played a role in the crash. 

Facing difficult weather conditions, the pilots could have turned the aircraft around and returned to New Providence, the source said.

Nonetheless, the source added a toxicology analysis of the pilots has been completed, revealing that they had consumed no drug that could have impaired their performance.

While Transport and Aviation Minister Glenys Hanna Martin has said that the investigation into the crash could take several months to complete, The Tribune’s source noted that the circumstances and facts surrounding the crash have now been established, adding that it is unlikely anything will emerge that would cause them to reverse their conclusions.

It is unclear when an official report into the investigation that takes into consideration the analysis of all relevant technology will be released.

The Lear Jet, which crashed into a Grand Bahama Shipyard, claimed the lives of nine people, including Bahamas Faith Ministries International (BFMI) Senior Pastor Dr Myles Munroe, his wife Ruth, vice-president Dr Richard Pinder, newly ordained youth pastors Lavard “Manifest” Parks, his pregnant wife Radel, their five-year-old son Johanan and American citizen Diego DeSantiago.

They died immediately on impact after their plane hit a crane, rolled, inverted and crashed.

The plane had left Nassau shortly after 4pm and crashed around 5:10pm. The group was flying into Grand Bahama from New Providence for an annual leadership conference organised by Dr Munroe.

The weather at the time was reduced visibility, resulting in a missed landing on the aircraft’s second approach to the airport.

A preliminary report into the crash said: “The crew executed a missed approach procedure and continued outbound and entered the published holding pattern at 2,000 feet. Some time after entering the holding pattern, ATC (air traffic control) reported the weather as improving and thus a second ... approach was requested by the crew and granted by ATC.

“During the return for the second instrument approach, ATC reported the weather as again deteriorating due to rain and haze. While attempting to find the runway visually during the second approach, the aircraft descended and subsequently struck a towering crane at the Grand Bahama Shipyard.”

Source:   http://www.tribune242.com

http://registry.faa.gov/N17UF

NTSB Identification: ERA15RA047
14 CFR Non-U.S., Non-Commercial
Accident occurred Sunday, November 09, 2014 in Freeport, Bahamas
Aircraft: GATES LEARJET CORP. 35A, registration: N17UF
Injuries: 9 Fatal.

This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. The foreign authority was the source of this information.

On November 9, 2014, about 1652 eastern standard time, a Gates Learjet Corp 35A, N17UF, registered to Diplomat Aviation (Bahamas) Ltd., was destroyed when it impacted a crane and terrain during approach to Grand Bahama International Airport (MYGF), Freeport, Grand Bahama, Bahamas. The airline transport pilot, copilot, and seven passengers were fatally injured. Instrument meteorological conditions prevailed. The flight originated from Lynden Pindling International Airport (MYNN), Nassau, Bahamas, about 1600 and was operating under Bahamian flight regulations at the time of the accident.

The investigation is under the jurisdiction of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas. Further information pertaining to this accident may be obtained from:

Air Accident Investigation & Prevention Unit
Bahamas Department of Civil Aviation
P.O. Box AP-59244
Nassau, N.P., The Bahamas
1 (242) 376-1617
1 (242) 377-6060 FAX
Email: aaipu.bcaa@gmail.com
website: www.aaipu-bcaa.com

This report is for informational purposes, and only contains information released by the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.


Captain Stanley Thurston 




 
First Officer Frahkan Cooper



The passengers and pilots preparing to board the ill-fated flight.



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