Mackey International Airlines

Convair CV-440 Metropolitan

Shortly after takeoff from Freeport-Grand Bahama Airport, while climbing, the crew declared an emergency after a fire erupted in the right main wheel well. The crew was cleared to return for an emergency landing and completed a circuit when the right engine in fire detached and fell away. After touchdown on runway 24, the airplane veered to the right and came to rest in a lagoon. A passenger was seriously injured while 45 other occupants escaped with minor or no injuries. The aircraft was damaged beyond repair.