Cessna 402 crash, Aug 25, 2001 (9 killed), Marsh Harbour
Cessna 402 accident on August 25, 2001 near Marsh Harbour, Central Abaco, Bahamas with 9 fatalities. Cause: Aircraft overweight and center of gravity...
- Date: August 25, 2001
- Aircraft: Cessna 402
- Location: Marsh Harbour, Central Abaco, Bahamas
- Fatalities: 9
- Phase of flight: Takeoff and climb
- Cause: Aircraft overweight and center of gravity beyond limits, an unqualified pilot, falsified records, and a nose-high takeoff with incorrect flap and trim settings. The operator's Bahamas authorization and FAA compliance were also deficient.
The Cessna 402B charter departed Marsh Harbour, Abaco, overloaded and with its center of gravity outside limits. It climbed steeply, banked left, and crashed into marshy terrain shortly after takeoff, killing all nine occupants, including singer Aaliyah. Investigators also found that the pilot was not qualified for the flight and that the operator was not authorized to operate in the Bahamas.