2001 Marsh Harbour Cessna 402 crash

Bahamian plane crash August 2021 January 2022 2001 Marsh Harbour Cessna 402 crash F-OIXB (16832522366).jpg A late model Cessna 402B similar to the accident aircraft 2001 08 25 Crashed shortly after takeoff due to overloading Accident Marsh Harbour Airport, Abaco Islands, The Bahamas 26 30 35 N 077 05 51 W region:BS inline,title 9 9 Cessna 402B Blackhawk International Airways N8097W 8 1 0 Marsh Harbour Airport, Abaco Islands, The Bahamas Opa-Locka Airport, Miami, Florida, U.S. On August 25, 2001, a Cessna 402 twin-engine light aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff from Marsh Harbour Airport on the Abaco Islands of the Bahamas, killing the pilot and all eight passengers on board. Among the victims were American singer and actress Aaliyah and members of her entourage, including a hairdresser, her bodyguard and a record executive.Pogrebin Robin Eichenwald Kurt September 8, 2001 Haste, Errors and a Fallen Star (Published 2001) en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/2001/09/08/arts/haste-errors-and-a-fallen-star.html November 24, 2020 0362-4331 November 8, 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20201108003134/https://www.nytimes.com/2001/09/08/arts/haste-errors-and-a-fallen-star.html live The group had just completed filming of the music video for "Rock the Boat" and had chartered the flight to return to Florida. The subsequent investigation determined the aircraft had attempted to take off while heavily overloaded, and also held eight passengers exceeding its certified maximum of seven. It also emerged that the pilot falsified records on his experience and qualifications to fly this type of aircraft.AIRCRAFT ACCIDENT REPORT FSI FILE # A0619836 https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/58982 https://web.archive.org/web/20211019034416/https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/58982 October 19, 2021 Background Appearing on BET's 106 & Park on August 21, 2001, Aaliyah announced that shooting of the video for the single "Rock the Boat", to be directed by Hype Williams, would begin the following day.http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2014/08/check-footage-aaliyahs-last-interview-ever/ Check Out The Footage of Aaliyah's Last Interview Ever XXL August 25, 2014 September 20, 2014 September 3, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140903100644/http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2014/08/check-footage-aaliyahs-last-interview-ever/ live Nearly sixty people worked on the video in the Bahamas.https://www.nytimes.com/2001/09/08/arts/music/08AALI.html Aaliyah – Haste, Errors and a Fallen Star New York Times September 8, 2001 February 18, 2017 September 1, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160901011239/http://www.nytimes.com/2001/09/08/arts/music/08AALI.html live On August 22, Aaliyah travelled to Miami, Florida, and filmed dance routines backed by a green screen during the day, with underwater shots for the video in the evening.Farley Christopher John July 13, 2013 Aaliyah: More Than A Woman MTV Books 10–11 9781476754659 On August 23, Aaliyah and employees of Virgin Records America flew to the Bahamas on two flights using a Fairchild Metro III, chartered through Sky Limo. She was scheduled to leave the Bahamas on August 26, but chose to leave the day before since she had finished early. Williams recalled, "Aaliyah left mid-production, so we were still shooting when she left."https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/aaliyah-1979-2001-20011011?page=2 Aaliyah Obituary: Remembering the R&B Star Rolling Stone dead October 11, 2001 August 26, 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20170831083604/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/aaliyah-1979-2001-20011011?page=2 August 31, 2017 The New York Post printed one of the last photographs taken of Aaliyah, when the singer posed with a fan. The Post wrongly labeled the photo as having been taken shortly before the flight departed and crashed.http://aaliyahremembered2.homestead.com/files/AaliyahNYPostFrontCover08282001r.jpg dead Photograph of cover homestead.com August 23, 2014 August 11, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110811014707/http://aaliyahremembered2.homestead.com/files/AaliyahNYPostFrontCover08282001r.jpg It was later determined the photo was in fact taken when Aaliyah arrived in the Bahamas on Thursday, August 23.Farley 2013 169–170September 2, 2001 Death of a soul diva The Observer https://www.theguardian.com/observer/focus/story/0,6903,545575,00.html live https://web.archive.org/web/20210226120003/https://www.theguardian.com/observer/focus/story/0,6903,545575,00.html February 26, 2021 Accident right|thumb|200px|Aaliyah, who was 22, was among the fatalities in the crash. On Saturday, August 25, at 6:50 p.m. (EDT), after she had completed her portions of the music video, Aaliyah and Virgin employees boarded a twin-engine Cessna 402B (registration N8097W) at the Marsh Harbour Airport, on the Abaco Islands, for the return trip back to Opa-locka Airport in Florida.http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1448402/20010826/aaliyah.jhtml Aaliyah Killed in Plane Crash Schumacher-Rasmussen Eric August 26, 2001 MTV News April 9, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090418020928/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1448402/20010826/aaliyah.jhtml April 18, 2009 dead The aircraft designated for the return flight was smaller than the one on which they had originally arrived, but it still had room to take on the whole party and all of their equipment.Sutherland William Aaliyah Remembered 2006 Trafford Publishing Bloomington, Indiana 119 978-1412050623 The passengers had grown impatient because the Cessna was supposed to arrive at 4:30 p.m. EDT, but did not arrive until 6:15 p.m. EDT. Charter pilot Lewis Key claimed to have overheard passengers arguing with the pilot, Luis Morales III, prior to take off, adding that Morales warned them that there was too much weight for a "safe flight". Key further stated: "He tried to convince them the plane was overloaded, but they insisted they had chartered the plane and they had to be in Miami Saturday night." Key indicated that Morales gave in to the passengers and that he had trouble starting one of the engines.https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/story?id=102736 More Questions Emerge in Aaliyah Crash August 29, 2001 ABC News June 27, 2020 July 26, 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20200726175813/https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/story?id=102736 live According to Kathy Iandoli's 2021 biography, Aaliyah was a nervous flier. She had serious reservations about flying on the small, overloaded plane and refused to board. After arguing with the rest of her entourage about it, she retreated into a taxicab to rest, claiming that she had a headache. One of the passengers was sent to check on her and proceeded to give her an unidentified pill and a glass of water. She took the pill, fell back asleep, and was aided into the plane.Mankapre Conteh https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/aaliyah-book-drugging-misreports-1207875 No, a New Book on Aaliyah Doesn't Claim She Was 'Drugged' Before Her Death August 5, 2001 Rolling Stone March 10, 2024 The aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff, about 200 ft m -1 from the runway. Aaliyah and five of the eight others on board were killed instantly.http://archives.cnn.com/2001/SHOWBIZ/Music/08/26/death.aaliyah/ U.S. investigators to probe Aaliyah crash August 27, 2001 CNN April 8, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090413035550/http://archives.cnn.com/2001/SHOWBIZ/Music/08/26/death.aaliyah/ April 13, 2009 dead Scott Gallin, Aaliyah's security guard, and two other people initially survived the crash, but died shortly afterwards. According to the paramedics on scene, Gallin spent his last moments asking about Aaliyah's condition.Farley 2013 170–171https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/1510034.stm R&B's Aaliyah dies in plane crash August 26, 2001 BBC News September 20, 2014 June 23, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090623203342/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/1510034.stm live One witness recalled the condition of the bodies: "It was an awful sight. Some bodies were so badly disfigured, you couldn't identify them. And two guys were alive – one screaming and screaming for help. He was horribly burned all over."August 27, 2001 Argument Broke Out Before Aaliyah Plane Crash, Witness Reports Fox News http://www.foxnews.com/story/2001/08/27/argument-broke-out-before-aaliyah-plane-crash-witness-reports/ dead https://web.archive.org/web/20130624050856/https://www.foxnews.com/story/2001/08/27/argument-broke-out-before-aaliyah-plane-crash-witness-reports/ June 24, 2013 A pilot who witnessed the crash saw the Cessna go down as he was working on some machinery "about half a mile" (.5 mi m out 1) away. He recalled the aircraft being only "60 to 100 feet" (60 to 100 ft m out) off the ground before it crashed. He went to get a fire truck and was stunned by what he saw upon arriving at the crash site. "It was pretty devastating. The aircraft was broken into pieces and some of the seats were thrown from the aircraft."Farley 2013 170 Reaction With the remaining crew left behind on the island, and too scared to get on a plane to return to the United States following Aaliyah's crash, singer Lenny Kravitz, a personal friend of "Rock the Boat" choreographer Fatima Robinson, sent his private jet to collect her and the dancers.https://www.complex.com/music/a/alex-ocho/aaliyah-former-dancer-planes-sketchy Aaliyah's Former Dancer Says the 'Planes Felt Sketchy' in Moments Leading Up to Singer's Death Complex Ocho Alex April 13, 2025 April 16, 2025 Fans of Aaliyah were reportedly grieving in New York City, where the singer had spent the first five years of her life before relocating to Detroit.https://www.nytimes.com/2001/08/29/us/new-york-fans-grieve-over-death-of-aaliyah.html New York Fans Grieve Over Death of Aaliyah August 29, 2001 New York Times Thomas J. Lueck February 18, 2017 March 5, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160305152835/http://www.nytimes.com/2001/08/29/us/new-york-fans-grieve-over-death-of-aaliyah.html live Quincy Jones told the Associated Press that he was devastated by her death. The then Bahamian Minister for Tourism O. Tommy Turnquest stated: "We find it devastating and most unfortunate that after having this world-famous star Aaliyah and her crew select the Bahamas as their choice location for her latest video, the project has climaxed on such a tragic note."https://www.nytimes.com/2001/08/26/world/singer-aaliyah-among-8-dead-in-plane-crash.html Singer Aaliyah Among 8 Dead In Plane Crash August 26, 2001 New York Times February 18, 2017 March 6, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160306124412/http://www.nytimes.com/2001/08/26/world/singer-aaliyah-among-8-dead-in-plane-crash.html live Two days after she died, on August 27, fans gathered near her former high school to remember her in a candlelight vigil.https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/1512938.stm August 28, 2001 BBC News A vigil for Aaliyah September 20, 2014 September 24, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140924042332/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/1512938.stm live By August 29, nearly 6,000 people had emailed BBC News "expressing shock and sorrow" at her death.https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/1515079.stm August 29, 2001 BBC News Aaliyah tributes flood in September 20, 2014 September 24, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140924042419/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/1515079.stm live Gladys Knight said she felt "blessed" to have known Aaliyah and stated: "I watched her grow up, and, with the rest of the world, saw her achieve success with her special and unique talents." She continued: "From an early age, I knew she had enormous talents, an intrinsic gift. When she first performed with me in Las Vegas, she was still quite young, but she already had it – that spark the world would later see and fall in love with." Silbert Mills, an official on Abaco Island, reported the denizens playing her music there and added: "That's the whole tragedy of it. We felt as if we knew her, yet we didn't."https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/1513515.stm August 28, 2001 BBC News Gladys Knight mourns niece Aaliyah September 20, 2014 September 24, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140924193754/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/1513515.stm live Destiny's Child lead singer Beyoncé Knowles praised her good nature and stated: "She was one of the first celebrities we met, she was so nice, we went out, we hung out with her, and it's really sad and we're trying to be strong." Lil' Kim described the crash as "really devastating" and said she "could never find anything bad about her".https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/1514499.stm August 29, 2001 BBC News Aaliyah's body flown home September 20, 2014 September 24, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140924201704/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/1514499.stm live Actor Jet Li, Aaliyah's co-star from the film Romeo Must Die, heard of her death and was "deeply saddened that she is no longer with us. She was a wonderful and talented artist who will be missed by everyone whose lives she touched." DMX called her "talented, classy, warm, beautiful, compassionate, humble."http://www.eonline.com/news/42083/aaliyah-s-body-returned-home Aaliyah's Body Returned Home E! Online August 28, 2001 September 20, 2014 August 26, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140826115308/http://www.eonline.com/news/42083/aaliyah-s-body-returned-home live Damon Dash said he was "crushed and heartbroken over the loss of such a beautiful and talented woman whom I loved deeply and meant the world to me". Sean Combs remembered Aaliyah as "just one of those individuals that would light up a room", adding: "She was very down to earth. She was a special individual ... We all saw her grow up from a little girl into a woman. It's a hard, sad day for everyone." Ginuwine referred to her as family, said he would miss her and offered his condolences to her family, while speaking to the New York Daily News from Los Angeles.http://www.nydailynews.com/archives/news/beau-pals-filled-heartache-article-1.919962 August 28, 2001 New York Daily News BEAU, PALS FILLED WITH HEARTACHE September 20, 2014 August 26, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140826123837/http://www.nydailynews.com/archives/news/beau-pals-filled-heartache-article-1.919962 live Brian McKnight complimented Aaliyah as being "really genuine and nice and not jaded about being a star". Jill Scott said she felt numb over Aaliyah's death given her age, talent and beauty and added, "It hurts, and it's sad, and we'll miss her."http://edition.cnn.com/2001/SHOWBIZ/Music/08/29/aaliyah.colleagues/ Colleagues pay tribute to Aaliyah – August 29, 2001 CNN.com August 29, 2001 September 21, 2014 February 4, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160204032035/http://edition.cnn.com/2001/SHOWBIZ/Music/08/29/aaliyah.colleagues/ live On August 27, Troi Torain, a radio shock jock known professionally as "Star", made a segment on New York radio station Hot 97 mocking Aaliyah's death by playing a tape of a woman screaming while a crash was heard in the background. Rumors circulated that he was attacked by friends of Aaliyah, which he denied. Torain was later suspended, and expressed remorse for his actions, admitting they were in "poor taste". He said, "I'm trying not to make fun of anything Aaliyah-related right now, because I'm aware people are trying to focus all their anger on me."http://www.nydailynews.com/archives/gossip/star-falls-faster-aaliyah-joke-article-1.929910 STAR FALLS FASTER AFTER AALIYAH 'JOKE' New York Daily News August 31, 2001 September 20, 2014 December 19, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131219174942/http://www.nydailynews.com/archives/gossip/star-falls-faster-aaliyah-joke-article-1.929910 live Remains returned to the United States On August 28, Aaliyah's remains were transported from the Bahamas back to the United States. Over 100 people waited outside the funeral home in Nassau as four men lifted her coffin into a hearse. It was then taken to the Nassau International Airport, where a private jet waited to return the body to Newark International Airport in New Jersey.https://www.chicagotribune.com/2001/08/29/singer-aaliyahs-body-returned-to-us/ Singer Aaliyah's body returned to U.S. August 29, 2001 Chicago Tribune September 21, 2014 November 29, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141129014955/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2001-08-29/news/0108290291_1_marsh-harbour-airport-plane-crash-singer-aaliyah livehttp://idobi.com/news/2001/08/singer-aaliyahs-body-flown-to-united-states/ Singer Aaliyah's Body Flown To United States idobi Network August 29, 2001 December 16, 2014 November 29, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141129031652/http://idobi.com/news/2001/08/singer-aaliyahs-body-flown-to-united-states/ live The other victims' bodies were repatriated on August 29. A U.S. Embassy spokesman reported that Virgin Records America paid the cost of all mortuary services in the Bahamas, the return of the bodies to the U.S., as well as the funerals.http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2001-08-29/news/0108280684_1_aaliyah-bodies-respects Crowds Pay Tribute As Bodies Sent Home August 29, 2001 Sun Sentinel September 21, 2014 May 18, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150518074425/http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2001-08-29/news/0108280684_1_aaliyah-bodies-respects dead Aaliyah's family was staying at the Trump International Hotel in New York when her body was returned. Staff reported flowers and condolences had been sent in steadily since her death. A worker at the reception desk disclosed that at least 500 bouquets, delivered mostly by grieving fans, had arrived for the family in the three days between the crash and the return of her body. Aaliyah's publicist, Jill Fritzo, said the Haughton family was touched by the support they received from fans and reported the condition of the family: "They're hanging in there. It's very tough for them". Investigation According to the findings of an inquest conducted by the coroner's office in the Bahamas, Aaliyah suffered from "severe burns and a blow to the head", in addition to severe shock and a weak heart.http://www.nme.com/news/aaliyah/15575 Coroner Delivers Verdict Over Aaliyah Death Crash November 20, 2003 NME March 5, 2010 November 19, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141119075756/http://www.nme.com/news/aaliyah/15575 live The coroner theorized that she went into such a state of shock that even if she had survived the crash, her recovery would have been nearly impossible.http://www.caribbeannetnews.com/2003/11/21/aaliyah.htm Bahamas Coroner delivers verdict in Aaliyah death crash November 21, 2003 Caribbean News Caribbean Net News February 7, 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20040127093955/http://www.caribbeannetnews.com/2003/11/21/aaliyah.htm January 27, 2004 The bodies, some of them badly burned, were taken to the morgue at Princess Margaret Hospital in Nassau, where they remained until relatives made positive identification.http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2001-08-27/entertainment/sfl-ent-aaliyah-remembered-082511_1_plane-crash-cessna-402b-rock-da-boat Singer Aaliyah dies in Bahamas plane crash August 27, 2001 Bill Hirschman Sun Sentinel September 20, 2014 August 11, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140811055601/http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2001-08-27/entertainment/sfl-ent-aaliyah-remembered-082511_1_plane-crash-cessna-402b-rock-da-boat dead The accident was investigated by the Civil Aviation Department. It determined that the aircraft was over its maximum takeoff weight by more than 900 lb kg -1 and had one more passenger than it was certified to carry.Final report, p. 18.http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1456119/20020716/aaliyah.jhtml Cocaine, Alcohol Found in Pilot of Aaliyah's Plane Moss Corey July 16, 2002 MTV News June 17, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090623072850/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1456119/20020716/aaliyah.jhtml June 23, 2009 dead An informational report issued by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) stated, "The airplane was seen lifting off the runway, and then nose down, impacting in a marsh on the south side of the departure end of runway 27."https://www.ntsb.gov/_layouts/ntsb.aviation/brief2.aspx?ev_id=20010907X01905&ntsbno=MIA01RA225&akey=1 NTSB Identification: MIA01RA225 National Transportation Safety Board June 11, 2009 June 28, 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20200628120156/https://www.ntsb.gov/_layouts/ntsb.aviation/brief2.aspx?ev_id=20010907X01905&ntsbno=MIA01RA225&akey=1 live It indicated that pilot Morales was not approved to fly the aircraft. Morales had falsely obtained his FAA license by showing logs of hundreds of flight hours he had never flown.https://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/fl-xpm-2001-09-25-0109240563-story.html AALIYAH PILOT ACCUSED OF LYING Sun-Sentinel September 24, 2001 January 30, 2023 January 30, 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230130212359/https://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/fl-xpm-2001-09-25-0109240563-story.html live He may also have falsified the number of hours he had flown to get the job with his employer, Blackhawk International Airways.Simmonds 2008 455 none Additionally, Morales' toxicology report revealed traces of cocaine and alcohol in his system.https://www.cbsnews.com/news/aaliyah-crash-pilot-was-on-cocaine/ Aaliyah Crash Pilot Was on Cocaine Holguín Jaime November 11, 2003 CBS News April 7, 2009 June 13, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130613121145/http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2003/11/19/entertainment/main584494.shtml live The NTSB reported that the maximum allowed gross weight of the aircraft was "substantially exceeded" and that the center of gravity was positioned beyond its rear limit.http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1448577/20010831/aaliyah.jhtml Report Shows Aaliyah's Plane Was Overloaded Schumacher-Rasmussen Eric August 31, 2001 MTV News July 2, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090602020549/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1448577/20010831/aaliyah.jhtml June 2, 2009 dead The U.S. joined the investigation on August 27, 2001, as authorities from the NTSB and the FAA arrived in the Bahamas.http://komonews.com/archive/us-joins-investigation-of-crash-that-killed-aaliyah U.S. Joins Investigations of Crash That Killed Aaliyah KOMO News August 27, 2001 July 21, 2016 August 17, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160817090547/http://komonews.com/archive/us-joins-investigation-of-crash-that-killed-aaliyah live On August 31, the day of Aaliyah's funeral, an independent expert of the Cessna Pilots Association reported that the aircraft was overloaded.http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/78504/expert-aaliyah-plane-was-overloaded Expert: Aaliyah Plane Was Overloaded August 31, 2001 Billboard September 21, 2014 September 30, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140930062907/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/78504/expert-aaliyah-plane-was-overloaded live Criticism of Blackhawk Blackhawk International Airways came under scrutiny by the FAA, which reported that the charter service had authorization for limited use of the aircraft, including that only one specific named pilot was permitted to fly the aircraft and that Morales was not that authorized pilot. In the three years prior to the crash, Blackhawk had been cited four times for violations. The company was fined $1,500 in 1998 (US 1500 1998 -2 eq) for violating safety rules in U.S. airspace. It received a warning for not testing employees for drugs in 1999 and was cited in 2000 for failing to comply with maintenance standards.https://www.nytimes.com/2001/08/30/us/questions-raised-about-pilot-in-crash-that-killed-singer.html Dana Canedy Questions Raised About Pilot in Crash That Killed Singer New York Times August 30, 2001 February 18, 2017 March 6, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160306202953/http://www.nytimes.com/2001/08/30/us/questions-raised-about-pilot-in-crash-that-killed-singer.html live Gilbert Chacon, head of Blackhawk at the time of the crash, pleaded guilty in 1993 to bankruptcy fraud involving another charter service. There was no evidence that Blackhawk managers had prior knowledge of Chacon's background. Pilot's background After the crash, revelations came to light concerning Morales' private life, as well as his activities during the final month before the crash. From an early age, Morales had expressed interest in aviation. His grandfather was a commercial pilot who gave him his first flights at age eleven. Morales began formal flight training at age seventeen at the Isla Grande Flying School at Fernando Ribas Dominicci Airport in Isla Grande, San Juan, Puerto Rico. Following the accident, authorities told his relatives not to discuss the case; however, Morales' sister spoke on behalf of the family: "We are confident the investigation is not going to disclose anything that would involve negligence on behalf of my brother. He has vast experience flying planes. He had been doing it since he was 14... They are talking about a person who cannot defend himself."http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2001-08-31/news/0108310115_1_multiengine-planes-pilot-s-license-morales-sister Pilot Never Took Risks, Sister Said Sun Sentinel August 31, 2001 September 20, 2014 November 29, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141129021707/http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2001-08-31/news/0108310115_1_multiengine-planes-pilot-s-license-morales-sister dead Morales received his pilot's license in February 2000. His job for Blackhawk was his second attempt to work as a commercial pilot since getting his license. In October 2000, he had been turned down for being too inexperienced after applying to Tropic Air of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Broward County sheriff's records showed Morales had been caught with crack cocaine in his car after being pulled over for driving through a stop sign on August 7, 2001; he was booked on a felony cocaine-possession charge. He was also charged for driving with a suspended license and running a stop sign. Morales told officers he was in the area to purchase powder cocaine for a friend.http://www.mtv.com/news/1448503/pilot-of-aaliyahs-plane-had-been-caught-with-cocaine-was-not-authorized-to-fly/ Pilot Of Aaliyah's Plane Had Been Caught With Cocaine, Was Not Authorized To Fly MTV August 29, 2001 September 20, 2014 September 3, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140903214937/http://www.mtv.com/news/1448503/pilot-of-aaliyahs-plane-had-been-caught-with-cocaine-was-not-authorized-to-fly/ dead He was sentenced to probation on August 13, 2001.https://www.upi.com/Archives/2001/08/29/Pilot-in-crash-faced-cocaine-charges/9865999057600/ Pilot in crash faced cocaine charges UPI August 29, 2001 Other reports, such as one by The New York Times and another in the Broward County Sun-Sentinel, questioned whether Morales was qualified to fly the aircraft. Gabriel Penagaricano, a lawyer for the Morales family, dismissed any questions about his flight record as "the words of a fool". He defended Morales as a "young man, totally dedicated to his profession ... [who] had set his sights on flying for one of the major airlines. In the meantime, he was doing what everybody else of his age and experience does, which is to fly for a charter operator in order to build up flying time." Penagaricano claimed Morales was "certainly" qualified to pilot a Cessna 402B.Farley 2013 173–174 Shortly before the crash, Morales was fired as a pilot from Golden Airlines in Florida for failing to appear at work. On August 28, 2001, U.S. aviation officials said that Morales had been hired by Blackhawk just two days before the crash and was not authorized by the FAA to fly the aircraft for the operator. FAA records showed that Blackhawk was clear to fly aircraft under a single-pilot certificate. However, according to Kathleen Bergen, Morales was not on the name authorization papers.http://www.hollywood.com/news/brief/770794/aaliyah-s-family-plans-private-funeral-in-new-york Aaliyah's family plans private funeral in New York Erica Gimenes August 30, 2001 September 20, 2014 August 25, 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230825203756/https://www.hollywood.com/category/news live Bergen did not identify the pilot who was on the papers, since "it would not be appropriate" to release it, but confirmed Morales was not qualified to fly the Cessna. Morales' father addressed his son's death and responsibility in the crash: "Luis was responsible for nine lives – eight plus his own. Someone is going to have to respond for those eight lives. And someone is going to have to respond for his life to me." He said he had spoken to his son in early August 2001 and the younger Morales related he was doing something he was passionate about. Lawsuits The day of the crash was Morales' first official day with Blackhawk, an FAA Part 135 single-pilot operation. He was not registered with the FAA to fly for Blackhawk and, as a result of the accident, Aaliyah's parents filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the company, which was settled out of court for an undisclosed amount.http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,624572,00.html Aaliyah Remembered One Year Later Silverman Stephen M. August 26, 2002 People April 4, 2009 June 3, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090603010907/http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,624572,00.html dead Family lawsuits The families of Foreman and Dodd filed lawsuits against Virgin Records America, alleging the record company was negligent in chartering the aircraft that crashed, killing all the passengers.http://www.mtv.com/news/1452663/families-of-men-killed-in-aaliyah-crash-file-lawsuits/ February 28, 2002 MTV Abbey Goodman Families Of Men Killed In Aaliyah Crash File Lawsuits September 20, 2014 May 18, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150518232127/http://www.mtv.com/news/1452663/families-of-men-killed-in-aaliyah-crash-file-lawsuits/ dead The lawsuit noted that Blackhawk had been cited four times in the previous four years. At a news conference, attorney Brian Panish charged that the crash victims died instantly because Virgin Records America "put profits over people".https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2002-feb-28-fi-virgin28-story.html Suits Filed in Singer's Crash Ann W. O'Neill February 28, 2002 Los Angeles Times September 20, 2014 August 20, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140820091239/http://articles.latimes.com/2002/feb/28/business/fi-virgin28 live In less than a week, the relatives of Gallin sued Virgin Records America, claiming that the label, and its affiliated music and video production units, were liable for his death because they handled the arrangements for Aaliyah's video shoot in the Bahamas. Gallin's relatives claimed that the label should have hired a "competent" transportation broker and air charter company, and that Blackhawk allowed the pilot to fly the aircraft even though he was unqualified, and took off with it dangerously overloaded.http://www.mtv.com/news/1452719/relatives-of-aaliyahs-bodyguard-suing-for-wrongful-death/ March 4, 2002 MTV Abbey Goodman Relatives Of Aaliyah's Bodyguard Suing For Wrongful Death September 20, 2014 November 19, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141119043806/http://www.mtv.com/news/1452719/relatives-of-aaliyahs-bodyguard-suing-for-wrongful-death/ dead Stuart Grossman represented the Gallin family during the lawsuit and reasoned that even the pilot did not want to take off because of overloading and called it "outrageous". He added: "This is a case of trying to put a size 12 foot in a size 10 shoe."http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2002-03-02/news/0203020219_1_aaliyah-blackhawk-international-airways-scott-gallin Aaliyah Plane Crash Spurs Another Lawsuit Sun Sentinel September 14, 2014 June 27, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140627154248/http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2002-03-02/news/0203020219_1_aaliyah-blackhawk-international-airways-scott-gallin dead Diane and Michael Haughton lawsuit In May 2002, Aaliyah's parents filed a lawsuit, similar to those filed by the families of Foreman and Dodd, against Virgin Records America in Los Angeles, alleging negligence. Their lawsuit claimed that a "dangerous and unsafe configuration" of the Cessna was the cause of the crash and that it was the "wrong plane" for the charter flight; the litigation also asserted that Morales was not properly qualified to operate the aircraft. In addition to suing Virgin Records, the lawsuit named Blackhawk, music video director Harold Williams, Instinct Productions, Big Dog House Films, Blackground Records LLC and Skystream. An investigator for the Civil Aviation Department stated neither Blackhawk nor Skystream had a permit to operate commercial charter flights in the Bahamas.https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/1986546.stm May 14, 2002 BBC Aaliyah's parents sue over plane crash September 20, 2014 August 9, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140809064023/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/1986546.stm live In September 2003, the Haughtons' lawyers filed a notice in federal court that the case had been settled with an agreement to keep the monetary details confidential.https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/3092460.stm September 9, 2003 BBC News Aaliyah parents settle over death September 20, 2014 August 9, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140809063822/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/3092460.stm live Nassau funeral home In August 2002, the funeral home that had prepared the crash victims' bodies publicly accused Virgin Records America of not paying its bill. Loretta Butler-Turner, of Butler's Funeral Homes and Crematorium in Nassau, told Time magazine that $68,000 was spent preparing the bodies and, at the time, Virgin executives Ken and Nancy Berry agreed to cover all expenses. At the time of Turner's announcement, the Berrys had left the record label. Turner tried to contact executives at Virgin Records and appealed to the U.S. Embassy in Nassau for help, but failed to resolve the situation. Although the funeral home did not take legal action, Turner did contact Robert Spragg, the Haughtons' lawyer. According to Spragg, the label also owed the Haughton family money for funeral costs, stating: "Those payments were never made to the family to reimburse those costs, and they were substantial."https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/2190491.stm Aaliyah funeral bill 'unpaid' August 13, 2002 BBC September 20, 2014 August 9, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140809063725/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/2190491.stm live Turner spoke to E! Online about the case and reflected on how events had unfolded. "Because Aaliyah was, in their words, 'high profile,' they asked us to expedite things. So we were working over the weekend to get the bodies out as quickly as possible," Turner said. "[The deal] was all verbal, but the truth of the matter is, [the Berrys] knew they were obliged. They contacted all of the families themselves, sent us all of the necessary information, and told us not to deal directly with the family members, that they would be responsible."http://www.eonline.com/news/43719/virgin-dodges-aaliyah-funeral-costs Virgin Dodges Aaliyah Funeral Costs? E! Online August 12, 2002 September 21, 2014 April 25, 2018 https://web.archive.org/web/20180425183440/https://www.eonline.com/news/43719/virgin-dodges-aaliyah-funeral-costs live It was reported that Aaliyah's parents planned to file a lawsuit against Virgin Records for not fulfilling its promise to pay Aaliyah's funeral expenses. Turner said she would hold on to the victims' death certificates, which were required before estates could be settled or lawsuits could be filed.http://www.foxnews.com/story/2002/08/12/funeral-home-still-waits-for-aaliyah-payment/ Funeral Home Still Waits for Aaliyah Payment August 12, 2002 Fox News September 20, 2014 August 26, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140826153717/http://www.foxnews.com/story/2002/08/12/funeral-home-still-waits-for-aaliyah-payment/ dead Turner said she had been unsuccessful in contacting Virgin executives by telephone calls, letters and faxes. She said the funeral home had a good relationship with the U.S. Embassy, which, according to her, had supported a potential lawsuit against Virgin Records since Butler's was a reputable company. "Now this reputable company [Virgin] has kept us waiting for nearly a year and have basically said, since the Berrys are no longer there, they have no responsibility to us. I don't know if they think we are some sort of Third-World banana republic and we're not up to scratch, but it just gives a pretty bad view of things in our view." Lawsuit against Instinct Productions Barry & Sons, Inc., a corporation formed in 1992 to develop, promote and capitalize Aaliyah, and to oversee the production and distribution of her records and music videos—in which did business under the name Blackground Records—brought an unsuccessful lawsuit in New York Supreme Court against Instinct Productions LLC, the company that was hired in August 2001 to produce the music video for "Rock the Boat".http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1495396/20050107/aaliyah.jhtml Aaliyah's Label Can't Sue Video Producer Who Booked Ill-Fated Flight Rashbaum Alyssa January 7, 2005 MTV News June 17, 2009 July 15, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090715011626/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1495396/20050107/aaliyah.jhtml deadhttp://www.courts.state.ny.us/reporter/3dseries/2005/2005_00096.htm Barry & Sons, Inc. v Instinct Prods. LLC Sullivan J. January 6, 2005 New York State Law Reporting Bureau June 11, 2009Firm barred from seeking damages in singer's death Business Insurance https://www.businessinsurance.com/article/20050116/STORY/100016044?template=printart 2023-01-05 www.businessinsurance.com January 5, 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230105010518/https://www.businessinsurance.com/article/20050116/STORY/100016044?template=printart live In May 2004, a judge ruled that Blackground could sue Instinct. Blackground had filed a negligence lawsuit in civil court against Instinct in November 2003. Instinct argued that Blackground had no right to recover damages since Aaliyah was a company employee. Judge Carol Edmead, however, found that Aaliyah was also Blackground's chief asset. She wrote that the company's "growth and prosperity were primarily the result of its efforts to successfully develop and nurture Aaliyah's career". Edmead noted the company was founded in 1992 by Barry Hankerson for the sole purpose of promoting Aaliyah, who was thirteen at the time.https://www.nytimes.com/2004/05/29/nyregion/record-company-can-sue-over-popular-singer-s-death.html Record Company Can Sue Over Popular Singer's Death May 29, 2004 Susan Saulny New York Times February 18, 2017 April 25, 2018 https://web.archive.org/web/20180425123522/https://www.nytimes.com/2004/05/29/nyregion/record-company-can-sue-over-popular-singer-s-death.html live The case was ultimately dismissed because New York's wrongful death statute permits only certain people related to the deceased to recover damages for wrongful death. Jomo Hankerson v Barry Hankerson In August 2026, Barry Hankerson's son, Jomo, sued his father, for breaching a settlement over music rights. Specifically, he cites Aaliyah's recording masters and music publishing copyrights. Not just her, though, but also for artists such as DMX, Toni Braxton, and Timbaland. Jomo claims that, per an alleged settlement deal, he's owed 12% of the money Barry made from the aforementioned music assets. The documents also show that Barry blamed Jomo for Aaliyah's death, stating that Jomo "failed in his responsibility" to make adequate travel plans, which resulted in a plane crash that "may have been avoided had [Jomo] followed through on his compensated task of travel coordination."https://www.vice.com/en/article/aaliyahs-family-in-turmoil-over-shocking-new-plane-crash-accusations-25-years-after-her-death/ Aaliyah’s Family in Turmoil Over Shocking New Plane Crash Accusations 25 Years After Her Death Vice Galiher Steven Andrew August 31, 2026 September 2, 2026 In popular culture The Jay-Z song "Glory" mentioned the crash, with the rapper warning his daughter Blue Ivy Carter to exercise safety in the lyric, "Just make sure the plane you're on is bigger than your carry-on baggage".http://www.vh1.com/music/tuner/2012-01-09/beyonces-alleged-miscarriage-aaliyahs-death-and-other-insights-into-jay-zs-new-song-glory-featuring-b-i-c/ Beyonce's Alleged Miscarriage, Aaliyah's Death And Other Insights Into Jay-Z's New Song, "Glory (Featuring B.I.C.)" January 9, 2012 Mark Graham VH1 Music September 21, 2014 May 7, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150507174105/http://www.vh1.com/music/tuner/2012-01-09/beyonces-alleged-miscarriage-aaliyahs-death-and-other-insights-into-jay-zs-new-song-glory-featuring-b-i-c/ dead References External links AIRCRAFT ACCIDENT REPORT FSI FILE # A0619836 FINAL REPORT Loss of Control after Takeoff Blackhawk International Airways Cessna 402B N8097W Marsh Harbour, Abaco, Bahamas 25 August, 2001 – Bahamas Civil Aviation Department (report date is August 30, 2006) Category:2001 in music Category:2001 in the Caribbean Category:August 2001 in North America Category:Aviation accidents and incidents in 2001 Category:Aviation accidents and incidents in the Bahamas Category:Aaliyah Category:Abaco Islands Category:2000s in the Bahamas