North Andros, Bahamas: A domestic passenger flight operated by Flamingo Air crashed while approaching San Andros Airport in North Andros, Bahamas, on July 10, killing all 10 people on board in one of the country’s deadliest aviation accidents in recent years. The tragedy occurred on the Bahamas’ 53rd Independence Day, prompting the government to suspend the airline’s operations pending a safety investigation.
The aircraft, a Cessna 402 registered C6-FLX, had departed Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS) in Nassau and was operating a scheduled domestic service to San Andros Airport (SAQ) when it crashed shortly before landing in North Andros at around 1 p.m. local time, according to the Bahamas’ Aircraft Accident Investigation Authority (AIAA). Early reports suggested there had been a survivor, but Prime Minister Philip Brave Davis later confirmed that the individual succumbed to injuries, bringing the death toll to 10.
Authorities confirmed that the flight was carrying nine passengers and one pilot. The AIAA initially reported a lower passenger count while emergency response operations were underway, but the government later clarified the final number of occupants. Emergency services, including the Royal Bahamas Police Force and local responders, were dispatched to the crash site shortly after the accident.
Investigators have not yet determined what caused the aircraft to crash. Officials have confirmed only that the aircraft went down while approaching San Andros Airport after departing Nassau. The wreckage came to rest in vegetation near the airport, and investigators have begun examining the site, the aircraft, maintenance records and operational data to determine the sequence of events.
The identities of all those killed have not been officially released by authorities, as family notifications were still ongoing. However, the Bahamas Musicians and Entertainers Union confirmed that several victims were members of the well-known Bahamian music group Da Pond Band, along with a DJ associated with the group. The union described the loss as a devastating blow to the country’s entertainment community and paid tribute to the musicians’ contribution to Bahamian culture.
Some media outlets later identified several of the victims as members of Da Pond Band, including vocalist Travis Johnson, keyboardist Giovanni McKenzie, guitarist Rashad Storr, along with Quinton Myers, Mateo Winder, Macaro Rolle, and pilot Franklyn Cambridge. However, these names have not yet been officially confirmed by the Bahamian government or the AIAA, and authorities continue to withhold the complete passenger manifest pending formal identification procedures.
Speaking during a press conference, Prime Minister Philip Davis said the nation had awakened to an unimaginable tragedy on what was meant to be a day of celebration. “We gather beneath a cloud of great sorrow.” He added, “It has become a day of mourning.” Extending condolences to the victims’ families, Davis said, “To every family that has received the devastating news, that someone they love will not be coming home, we offer our deepest condolences.”
The crash also triggered immediate regulatory action against Flamingo Air. The Ministry of Energy, Utilities and Aviation announced the temporary suspension of the airline’s Air Operator Certificate (AOC) as a precautionary safety measure while investigators examine the accident. Officials emphasized that the suspension does not indicate the cause of the crash but is intended to ensure public safety during the investigation.
Energy, Utilities and Aviation Minister JoBeth Coleby-Davis revealed that the decision to suspend the airline followed two separate safety incidents involving Flamingo Air on the same day.
Earlier on July 10, another Flamingo Air aircraft operating a flight to Mayaguana experienced a pilot-reported technical concern and returned safely to Nassau. After landing, passengers disembarked normally, but the aircraft subsequently caught fire while on the ground. No injuries were reported in that incident, which is also under investigation. Authorities said the combination of the fatal crash and the earlier aircraft fire prompted the precautionary suspension of the airline’s operations.
Flamingo Air issued a statement expressing condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and said it is cooperating fully with investigators. The airline said its focus remains on supporting the victims’ families and assisting authorities as the investigation progresses.
The investigation is being led by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Authority (AIAA) of The Bahamas with support from other national agencies. Investigators are expected to examine the aircraft’s maintenance history, operational records, weather conditions, pilot qualifications and other evidence before issuing preliminary findings. No official cause has yet been released.
