Aircraft Accident Investigation Authority
Our Mission: Promoting Safety in the Aviation Industry
Mr. Kendall I. Dorsett Jr.
Chief Investigator of Air Accidents
Mr. Kendall Dorsett Jr. is a licensed commercial and remote pilot and former Air Traffic Controller functioning in the capacity of Chief Investigator of Air Accidents for the Aircraft Accident Investigation Authority (AAIA).
Mr. Dorsett attended the College of The Bahamas and completed an Associate of Arts Degree in Law & Criminal Justice. He continued studies at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and obtained a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics and later a Masters of Science Degree in Human Factors with an aerospace specialization.
His tenure with Air Traffic Services began in 2009 and in 2014 he transferred to the Bahamas Civil Aviation Department. Since 2015, he has been assigned to the Aircraft Accident Investigation Authority. Mr. Dorsett was instrumental in establishing an independent accident investigation authority along with the AAIA's first Chief Investigator, Capt. Delvin Major.
Recognizing the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of the aviation industry, he has adopted a commitment to life-long learning and as such, received both local and international training from organizations, including the Singapore Aviation Academy, International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Subsequently, he is well versed in Safety Management Systems (SMS), accident/incident Investigation Techniques and Management, emergency response and management, safety oversight concepts, among other topics. As an ICAO certified instructor, Mr. Dorsett also delivers training internally and for external aviation stakeholders.
As a passionate aviator, Mr. Dorsett endeavors to make a valuable contribution to aviation safety, being aware of the huge role it plays for an archipelagic nation such as The Bahamas who depends heavily on the tourism product.
Mr. Saint-Tino Morley
Airworthiness Investigator
Mr. Saint-Tino Morley began his aviation career in 2003 at the National Aviation Academy, where he earned a specialized Associates Degree in Aviation Maintenance Technologies and obtained his Airframe and Powerplant rating. His early career included five years in the General Aviation sector, specializing in repairing reciprocating aircraft, guided by his mechanic creed: "Let your work speak for itself."
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Transitioning to the small airline sector, Mr. Morley spent seven years maintaining turbines, including Beech 1900s, Embraer 110s, and King Airs.
After an extensive twelve-year career performing complex maintenance tasks, including repairs, modifications, and overhauls, Mr. Morley recognized the need to contribute to a sector of aviation focused on lowering the percentage of major incidents and accidents from a maintenance perspective. This realization led him to join the then Bahamas Aircraft Accident Investigation Department in 2018, which later became the Aircraft Accident Investigation Authority (AAIA).
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Known for his thoroughness and technical proficiency, Mr. Morley's expertise in aircraft maintenance has been instrumental in providing expert analysis during investigations, significantly contributing to the AAIA's efforts in promoting safety in the aviation industry.
Ms. Symonne Cargill
Administration Officer
Ms. Symonne Cargill is an astute and accomplished operations and business administration professional. Her passion for excellence and meticulous organizational skills have significantly contributed to the efficiency and daily operations of the Aircraft Accident Investigation Authority (AAIA), where she has served as the Administration Officer since 2020. In addition to this role, she serves as the Secretary to the Board, leads Emergency Response initiatives, and coordinates Accident Investigations.
Before joining the AAIA, Ms. Cargill distinguished herself as a driven and goal-oriented banking leader at a leading financial institution in The Bahamas. Her accomplishments in operations and risk management laid the foundation for her current role. Her dedication to leadership and excellence is evident in her commitment to training and developing teams, driving organizational success, influencing positive change, and increasing productivity.
For more than a decade, Ms. Cargill has championed the potential of individuals, leading diverse and dynamic teams, and collaborating with local and international stakeholders. She has consistently identified opportunities for personal and professional growth, demonstrating poised leadership in building relationships, managing complex projects, and fostering high levels of professional communication and networking.
In recognition of her outstanding service and commitment to driving operational efficiency, Ms. Cargill was honored by the Ministry of Transport & Housing as the AAIA's 2022 Employee of the Year. Her thirst for knowledge is reflected in her academic achievements from The Bahamas Institute of Financial Services and The Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute. She continues to pursue learning with ongoing studies at Edinburgh Napier University. ​
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Mr. Valdero Heastie
Operations Investigator
From an early age, Mr. Valdero Heastie harbored a deep passion for aviation, which soon evolved into a thriving career. In January 2007, he embarked on his aviation journey at Phoenix East Aviation in Daytona Beach, Florida. There, he successfully obtained his Private Pilot, Instrument Rating, and Multi-Engine Private Licenses. His dedication led him to enroll at Flight Training Express, where he completed his studies and earned his Commercial Pilot License.
Mr. Heastie’s professional career began in February 2010 when he joined Southern Air Charter as an Aircraft Dispatcher. His aptitude for understanding flight operations allowed him to quickly rise through the ranks, and within a year, he was supervising the dispatch department. In 2012, he expanded his expertise by earning a Beech 1900D type rating from Aims Community College in Denver, Colorado, and began his role as a First Officer with Southern Air Charter, accumulating over 3,000 flight hours.
Continuing his upward trajectory, Mr. Heastie was promoted to Flight Operations Supervisor in 2016. In this role, he built a robust foundation in ensuring compliance with aviation regulations, safety procedures, and operational standards.
With over 15 years of experience in the aviation industry, Mr. Heastie now serves as an Accident Investigator (Operations) with the Aircraft Accident Investigation Authority (AAIA). The AAIA is pleased to welcome him to our team, where his extensive background in flight operations and dedication to safety will significantly contribute to our mission of promoting safety within the aviation industry.
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Mr. Alshorn Cleare
Operations Investigator
Mr. Alshorn Cleare began his aviation journey in 2009 when he enrolled in a Mechanical Engineering course at the University of the Bahamas (then known as the College of the Bahamas). During his studies in the Force & Structure Analysis course, he focused on the structural materials and operation of airplanes.
After receiving his Associate's Degree in Mechanical Engineering in 2011, Mr. Cleare pursued further education at Western Michigan University’s College of Aviation. There, he obtained a Bachelor of Science in Avionics Maintenance Technology. During this time, he earned multiple certifications, including his Airframe and Powerplant rating, Occupational Safety and Health Administration certification with Human Factors, and special accreditation from the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals.
Upon graduating in 2016, Mr. Cleare gained experience with Duncan Aviation Ltd, focusing on maintenance and safety tech operations. In 2018, he joined the Bahamas Air Navigation Service Authority as a Simulation Operator/Pilot under the Air Traffic Service and Training Department. In this role, he assisted in training, contributing over 1,000 hours towards aerodrome, non-radar, and radar Air Traffic Controller training.
In 2019, Mr. Cleare transitioned to Air Traffic Services, where he was certified in Aircon Flight Data Display, Voice Control Communication, and Electronic Flight Strip and Supplementary Data Modulation.
Mr. Cleare's extensive experience across multiple branches of aviation has always emphasized safety. His roles have focused on solving issues by collecting and analyzing data to help prevent accidents and ensure the safety of individuals involved in aviation.
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Authority of the Bahamas is pleased to welcome Mr. Cleare as an Accident Investigator (Operations), where he will continue his dedicated work in aviation safety.
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