The Bahamas suspended the airline’s operations as investigators began examining two safety incidents involving its aircraft on the same day.
NASSAU, Bahamas — Ten people died after a Flamingo Air passenger plane crashed near San Andros Airport on Friday, turning the country’s Independence Day celebrations into a period of national mourning and prompting officials to suspend the airline’s operating certificate.
The Cessna 402 was carrying nine passengers and a pilot from Lynden Pindling International Airport in Nassau to North Andros on July 10, authorities said. The plane went down in bushes near the airport after reportedly encountering difficulties shortly before landing. One occupant was initially found alive but later died, leaving no survivors.
The cause of the crash had not been determined Monday. The Bahamas Aircraft Accident Investigation Authority sent investigators to North Andros, while inspectors from the Civil Aviation Authority Bahamas and personnel from the Airport Authority also responded. Officials have not publicly explained the difficulties reported before the crash or announced when preliminary findings may be released.
Members of Da Pond Band and a disc jockey were among those killed, according to the Bahamas Musicians and Entertainers Union. The organization said the victims had contributed to the country’s music and culture. Authorities had not released a complete official passenger list, saying families should be notified before further identifying information is made public.
Prime Minister Philip Brave Davis confirmed Friday evening that all 10 people aboard had died. He urged the public to rely on verified information while the investigation remained active and offered condolences to the victims’ relatives. The crash occurred as Bahamians marked the 53rd anniversary of the country’s independence.
Police Commissioner Shanta Knowles said emergency workers responded after the aircraft was found near the airport. Early information about the number of people aboard changed as authorities gathered records and reached the scene. Officials ultimately confirmed that the plane carried 10 people and that the person initially reported as a survivor had died from injuries.
The Ministry of Energy, Utilities and Aviation temporarily suspended Flamingo Air’s Air Operator Certificate after the crash. The ministry described the suspension as a precaution taken in the interest of aviation safety, not as a finding that the airline violated regulations or caused the accident.
The decision also followed a separate safety incident involving another Flamingo Air aircraft earlier Friday. Aviation Minister JoBeth Coleby-Davis said that plane was headed to Mayaguana when its pilot reported a concern and returned to Nassau. Its passengers left safely before the aircraft caught fire. Authorities are investigating that incident separately.
Flamingo Air confirmed that it owned the plane that crashed near North Andros and expressed condolences to the families and loved ones of those killed. The carrier said it was cooperating with the relevant authorities and would provide further information as verified facts became available.
The fatal flight connected Nassau on New Providence with North Andros, one of many routes served by small aircraft across the island nation. Such flights provide important transportation between communities separated by water, making the suspension likely to affect travelers who depend on Flamingo Air while the safety reviews continue.
The airline’s operating certificate remained suspended Monday. Investigators had not announced a cause, a date for a preliminary report or when Flamingo Air might be allowed to resume flights. Officials said additional information would be released as the investigations progress.
Author note: Last updated July 13, 2026.