GDF pilot injured in plane crash in Turks and Caicos Islands

Last Updated on Wednesday, 30 July 2025, 19:28 by Writer

A Guyana Defence Force (GDF) pilot has been severely injured in an aircraft crash in the Turks and Caicos Islands, a well-placed source said.

He has been identified as Dwight Bonus, a helicopter pilot.

The GDF said in a statement that Mr Bonus, was involved in a single engine aircraft accident in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands.

The Force said Captain Bonus was on personal vacation at the time of the incident. “He has since been medically evacuated and is currently receiving treatment overseas. His condition is reported to be stable.” Demerara Waves understands from a reliable source that he has been air-dashed to the Dominican Republic for advanced medical treatment.

The GDF says it is in contact with the relevant authorities and continues to monitor the situation closely. “Our thoughts are with Captain Bonus and his family during this time, and we extend our support for his full recovery.”

The Miami Herald reported that on Tuesday at round 11:40 a.m., two persons aboard a Cessna 210 took off from North Perry Airport in Broward County, Florida and were scheduled to arrive at Howard Hamilton International Airport in the Turks and Caicos Islands just a few hours later — but the aircraft never arrived, according to flight information on FlightAware.com.

The Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority confirmed the plane crashed while it was on approach to the international airport. Emergency services quickly responded and attended to the pair. A short time later, one of them was pronounced dead. “Our thoughts remain with the individuals involved in today’s crash and their loved ones,” said Arlington Musgrove, the minister with responsibility of the airport authority in a statement.

According to FAA records, the aircraft was owned by Mob Aviation USA LLC, out of Kissimmee, Florida. An investigation conducted by the National Security Council and Civil Aviation Authority is underway on the islands.

The international airport was shut down briefly, too, but reopened. Neither the Federal Aviation Administration nor National Transportation Safety Board immediately responded to whether it is investigating the crash.