Part 135 Fatal Leads to Call for Emergency Briefings

The NTSB wants the FAA to emphasize the need for pilots, particularly those in single-pilot Part 135 operations, to provide “timely emergency briefings.” The Safety Board’s recommendation follows its investigation into the July 13, 2003, fatal ditching of a scheduled Part 135 Cessna 402 in the water off the Bahamas after one engine failed at 3,500 feet msl. Of the nine passengers, two died, but the NTSB said this could have been a survivable accident if the pilot had handled the emergency properly. The passengers would have had sufficient time to retrieve and don their life vests “if the pilot had instructed them to do so shortly after the right engine failed.” An excessive descent rate prevented the piston twin from reaching Treasure Cay Airport, according to the NTSB.