Small plane carrying Americans crashes in Bahamas after luggage door opens in air; no one hurt

Bahamas probes small plane crash, no injuries

NASSAU, Bahamas — An aviation official in the Bahamas says a small plane heading for Florida with six people on board, including four Americans, crashed shortly after taking off. Everyone aboard escaped without injury.

Aviation safety inspector Delvin Major says the baggage door on the twin-engine Piper PA-31 flung open after takeoff Sunday from South Bimini and the plane crashed into bushes as the pilot tried to fly back to the runway.

Major said Monday that the pilot ushered the stunned passengers out of the aircraft, which later caught fire. He did not disclose their identities, but said they were headed to Fort Lauderdale.

Investigators are examining the plane’s wreckage to determine the cause of the crash.