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
Aviation Safety Analyst
Ms. Symonne Cargill is an experienced aviation professional, currently serving as an Aviation Safety Analyst since December 2024. In this role, she supports accident investigations, contributes to the review and organization of safety data, and works alongside key stakeholders to help identify areas for operational and safety improvements.
From December 2020 to December 2024, Ms. Cargill served as Administration Officer at the Aircraft Accident Investigation Authority (AAIA). In addition to managing core operations, she served as Secretary to the Board, led Emergency Response efforts, and coordinated accident investigations. Her dedication and leadership were recognized in 2022 when she was named Employee of the Year by the Ministry of Transport & Housing.
Ms. Cargill brings a strong foundation in operations, communication, and aircraft accident investigation support to her analyst role. She has contributed to post-accident reviews, assisted in analyzing safety trends, and helped strengthen internal processes to support more effective response and reporting. With a clear, focused approach and a commitment to continuous learning, she remains dedicated to driving safety initiatives that support the AAIA’s goals.
With over a decade of professional experience, Ms. Cargill is known for her structured thinking, steady leadership, and ability to build strong working relationships across teams. She holds academic credentials in Business Administration, Financial Services, and Hospitality Management, and is currently pursuing her Master of Business Administration in Leadership and Innovation 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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