Bahamas Issues Safety Warning After Two American Airlines Near-Misses

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Authority (AAIA) of The Bahamas has issued a formal "Serious Safety Concern" advisory to the nation's aviation regulator following two potentially catastrophic near-miss incidents involving American Airlines aircraft. The events, which occurred just two weeks apart in February at busy Family Island airports, have prompted an investigation into pilot communication protocols at uncontrolled aerodromes.

Preliminary information suggests a breakdown in standard operating procedures, which require pilots to self-announce their positions, was a factor in both events. The incidents highlight the operational risks at airports that lack traditional air traffic control towers, placing a heightened responsibility on flight crews for situational awareness and collision avoidance.

The Incidents

The first event occurred on February 12 at Exuma International Airport (GGT). An American Airlines aircraft on approach was forced to execute an evasive maneuver to avoid a departing aircraft. The sudden action resulted in injuries to two flight attendants, who required evaluation at a local clinic before being placed on leave. The identity of the other aircraft involved was not specified in the initial reports.

A second incident took place on February 24 at North Eleuthera International Airport (ELH). In this case, an American Airlines aircraft was reportedly in position on the runway for takeoff when another jet passed directly overhead. As with the Exuma incident, details about the second aircraft were not included in the advisory.

Regulatory Scrutiny

In response to the events, the AAIA, the independent body for investigating air incidents, sent the formal advisory to the Civil Aviation Authority of The Bahamas (CAAB), the state regulator. The notice, which described the incidents as potentially having "catastrophic consequences," serves to officially identify and highlight an existing hazard within the local aviation system that requires immediate attention.

AAIA Chief Investigator Kendall Dorsett Jr confirmed both incidents are under active investigation. “Anytime we observe something within the local aviation industry that is hazardous or could be a potential hazard, we have an obligation to mention this to the Civil Aviation Authority,” he stated, emphasizing the close working relationship between the two agencies on safety matters.

The advisory calls for increased awareness and the implementation of short-term safety measures while longer-term operational and infrastructural improvements are evaluated.

Uncontrolled Airspace Procedures

Many of the airports in The Bahamas' Family Islands operate as uncontrolled aerodromes, meaning they do not have air traffic control towers. This operational model is common worldwide, including in the United States, particularly at smaller or less busy airports. In such environments, safety relies on pilots adhering to strict communication protocols under both Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) and Visual Flight Rules (VFR).

Under international standards, pilots operating at uncontrolled fields are required to self-announce their position, altitude, and intentions on a designated Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF). This allows all aircraft in the vicinity to build a mental picture of the traffic and sequence their arrivals and departures safely. The AAIA's initial findings suggest that in both February incidents, the other aircraft involved did not self-announce its position on the correct frequency.

Broader Systemic Challenges

These incidents occur within a complex and busy airspace. A 2016 report from the US Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) Eastern Regional Task Group previously highlighted challenges in the region. The report noted that "the lack of live flight tracking within Miami Oceanic (referring to Bahamas sovereign airspace) creates a safety hazard." It also acknowledged that controllers at the FAA’s Miami Air Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC), which manages a significant portion of the airspace, have limited access to real-time meteorological services across Bahamian territory.

While the FAA report focused on weather and oceanic tracking rather than airport terminal operations, it underscores the technological and infrastructural challenges present in the wider Bahamian aviation system. Anonymous airport workers have also stated that near-miss incidents are not uncommon at the islands' uncontrolled airports.

What Comes Next

The AAIA's investigations into the specifics of the Exuma and North Eleuthera incidents are ongoing. The CAAB, as the recipient of the Serious Safety Concern advisory, is now expected to review the findings and consider what regulatory or procedural changes may be necessary to mitigate future risks. These could range from enhanced pilot education campaigns to potential infrastructure upgrades at high-traffic Family Island airports. Officials from the CAAB had not responded to requests for comment at the time of the initial report.

Why This Matters

These two serious incidents involving a major international carrier underscore the growing pains faced by popular tourist destinations where air traffic growth may be outpacing infrastructure development. The events serve as a critical reminder that in the absence of direct air traffic control, the entire safety system depends on rigorous adherence to standardized procedures by all pilots. The outcome of the investigation will be closely watched by regulators and airlines operating in similar environments globally.

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