In brief
Nine passengers and the pilot died when a Cessna 402 crashed in the Bahamas on the day of its 53rd independence anniversary. The aircraft, operated by Flamingo Air, was on a short flight from Lynden Pindling International Airport to San Andros Airport when it encountered difficulties and took off into surrounding bushes before landing. The incident prompted Prime Minister Philip Davis to call the day a day of mourning, and the Ministry of Aviation temporarily suspended the airline’s operating licence as a precautionary measure. Investigations are underway, and Flamingo Air has pledged full cooperation with authorities.
Nine passengers and a pilot lost their lives when a small aircraft crashed near the Bouran Fortress in the Bahamas at 4:00 p.m. local time on July 11, 2026.
The aircraft, a Cessna 402 operated by Flamingo Air, was traveling from Lynden Pindling International Airport to San Andros Airport when it reportedly encountered technical difficulties. A short clip released by the local news station shows the plane on a low approach before veering into dense foliage and breaking apart.
The tragedy struck the same day the Bahamas celebrated its 53rd anniversary of independence, turning a day of national pride into one of collective grief. Prime Minister Philip Davis addressed the nation, describing the event as “a day of mourning” and calling for a thorough investigation of safety protocols.
With the initial report indicating a single survivor, further statements clarified that the individual succumbed to injuries shortly after the crash. Authorities have yet to release names or ages of those on board.
In response, the Ministry of Aviation placed Flamingo Air’s air operator certificate on a temporary hold. The ministry clarified that this action was precautionary rather than punitive, citing two separate safety incidents that occurred earlier that Friday.
Aviation Minister JoBeth Coleby‑Davis reported that the aircraft had initially returned to Nassau after the pilot reported a problem and that a fire broke out on board after landing. The fire was extinguished quickly as passengers disembarked safely.
The BBC has reached out to Flamingo Air for commentary, and the airline has assured the public that it is gathering details and will cooperate with investigators. This ongoing investigation aims to identify root causes and prevent future tragedies in Bahaman aviation.
