Bahamas Plane Crash: 10 Lost on Independence Day

Sun Sep 06 2026 12:39:28 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

A tragic small‑plane crash in the Bahamas killed ten people on its independence anniversary, prompting the airline’s temporary grounding and widespread grief.

A Cessna 402 crashed near San Andros Airport, killing nine passengers and the pilot on a brief trip from Nassau. The tragedy occurred on the 53rd independence day, turning celebration into mourning. Flamingo Air has had its operator certificate temporarily suspended while investigators look into two earlier safety incidents. No details on the victims have been released, and the cause of the crash remains under review. Prime Minister Philip Davis expressed national sorrow in a televised address.

Bahamas Plane Crash: 10 Lost on Independence Day

Nassau International Airport view — View of Nassau International Airport, where the plane departed before the crash.

A small Cessna 402 crashed into bushes near San Andros Airport, killing the pilot and nine passengers on a short trip from Lynden Pindling International Airport in Nassau.

The crash happened on the day the Bahamas celebrated 53 years of independence, turning a joyous holiday into a day of mourning.

Flamingo Air, the airline that operated the plane, has had its air‑operator certificate temporarily suspended while aviation authorities investigate the incident.

Officials said there had been two safety incidents earlier that week, including a fire onboard another plane that had landed, but the exact cause of the crash is still unknown.

No names or ages of the victims have been released yet. Prime Minister Philip Davis called the event "a tragic chapter in our nation's story" during a media address.

If you or someone you know had any information about the crash, please contact the Bahamas Aeronautical Accident Investigation Authority or local authorities for support.