Crash Date, Flight, and Aircraft
On August 25, 2001, American singer Aaliyah departed Bahamas Abaco Airport (MQB) in the Bahamas aboard a Cessna 402B (U.S. registration N8097W), destined for Opa-locka Airport (OPF) in Florida, United States. The twin-engine propeller aircraft was operated by Blackhawk International Airways. The flight was chartered as part of a multi-stop trip after filming the music video for “Rock the Boat.” Passengers included Aaliyah, several crew members, and others involved in the production. This section establishes the flight context that frames the timing inquiry.
Confirmed Timeline and Impact Time
The sequence of events on the night of August 25, 2001, is documented in official reports and news accounts. After completing the music video shoot and finalizing passenger boarding, the aircraft taxied for departure from Abaco Airport. It took off shortly after its scheduled departure time for the first leg. The flight proceeded normally for a portion of the route before encountering issues. Below is a concise table summarizing key verified times and milestones.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Date | August 25, 2001 | Official reports and news archives |
| Departure Airport | Abaco Airport (MQB), Bahamas | Flight records and operator reports |
| Destination Airport | Opa-locka Airport (OPF), Florida, USA | Flight plan and operator reports |
| Aircraft | Cessna 402B (N8097W) | Registration databases |
| Operator | Blackhawk International Airways | Operator records |
| Crash/Impact Time | Approximately 6:50 a.m. local time on August 26, 2 | Official investigation summary |
| Elapsed Flight Duration | Roughly 1 hour 45 minutes into the flight at time of impact | NTSB factual timeline |
Local Time Clarification
The crash occurred in the early morning hours at the destination. At the time of impact, local time in the Opa-locka area was approximately 6:50 a.m. on August 26, while in the Bahamas it remained late evening on August 25. The flight had departed the Bahamas in the evening of August 25, and the incident happened after sunset, during a portion of the journey not intended to be overnight.
Key Context Around Timing
- The accident followed a multi-leg trip that included filming the “Rock the Boat” music video earlier that day.
- Reports indicate the aircraft was overloaded, which contributed to performance issues after takeoff.
- Departure from the Bahamas was in the evening, and the crash happened in the early morning at the destination, crossing the date line between August 25 and August 26.
Investigation Outcomes and Reports
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) led the investigation, with assistance from other agencies. The final report determined that the probable cause included the airplane being overloaded and exceeding its center of gravity limits, leading to loss of control after takeoff. Contributing factors were also cited, including environmental conditions and potential issues with certification of the aircraft’s operator. The timeline above reflects the consensus view established in that investigation.
Common Misconceptions and Clarifications
Because the event occurred near midnight across time zones, there is public confusion about the exact date and clock time. It is important to distinguish between the local departure date in the Bahamas (August 25, evening) and the date of impact at the destination (August 26, early morning). The approximate impact time of 6:50 a.m. on August 26 is widely reported in official summaries and news archives. No verified sources support alternative times for the crash.
Legacy and Memorial Context
The death of Aaliyah at age 22 marked a significant moment in music and popular culture. In the years since, the crash has been the subject of documentaries, investigative reporting, and official reviews. Accurate timing details help honor the memory of those lost and ensure that public records reflect the best available evidence. Responsible reporting emphasizes confirmed times and avoids speculation.
Reliable Sources and Further Verification
Readers seeking additional information can consult the NTSB report, official news archives from major outlets, and statements from the operator and regulatory bodies. The facts outlined here are derived from investigations and reputable journalistic coverage. When discussing this event, clarity, respect, and factual precision are essential.