Barbados Today

NASSAU –– Two people were killed Sunday when a small plane crashed in Bimini, authorities said.

The pilot, Terence “Tango” Gibson, was one of the victims, according to West Grand Bahama and Bimini MP Obie Wilchcombe, who said Sunday night he had spoken to Gibson’s relatives, who are devastated.

The Nassau Guardian did not confirm the name of the second victim. Officials said they were awaiting notification of next of kin.

The Department of Civil Aviation said that at 4:15 p.m., aviation officials at South Bimini Airport received a report of smoke in bushes near the airport.

Investigations revealed that an aircraft crashed in bushes adjacent to the runway.

The aircraft registration number is N63ZZ, a PA27, which departed Bimini earlier.

Officials said reports were sketchy and more information will be provided when received.

Wilchcombe said Gibson was a resident of Grand Bahama and attended church at Holmes Rock Sunday before heading to Bimini, reportedly to pick up a plane.

“He was a wonderful personality,” Wilchcombe recalled, “an individual who had dreams, aspirations, but like all of us, not perfect, and he did so much to engender support for family, for community.

“In fact, he would be remembered by his graduating class at Eight Mile Rock for celebration.

“He was full of life, full of spirit and full of love.”

Wilchcombe said he thinks Gibson was in his 40s.

“Because of his personality it’s a big loss, because the family is so close . . . he was always out there willing to lend a helping hand,” he said. “His personality reaches all over and people will miss him a lot.”

Department of Civil Aviation accident investigation representatives are scheduled to travel to Bimini Monday to begin investigations.