What happened
The pilot initiated a diversion to Angola, an airfield he had never landed at before, due to an unidentified electrical problem occurring during night operations. Air traffic control provided vectors to the airport, and the pilot reported having the field in sight. He then informed controllers that he intended to circle to lose altitude prior to landing.
During the visual final approach, the aircraft struck the roof of a house and subsequently crash-landed on a road. Investigations determined that the aircraft was approximately 1 degree below the standard glide slope at the moment of impact with the structure. Upon impact, a large quantity of unsecured personal belongings in the rear of the plane flew forward. The pilot was not wearing the shoulder harness installed above his seat.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the mechanical and operational aspects of the flight. Investigators examined the nature of the electrical problem that prompted the diversion but found no specific malfunction identified beyond the initial report. The physical evidence from the crash site confirmed the trajectory of the aircraft relative to the ground and the house roof.
Findings
Several factors contributed to the outcome of this event. The pilot was operating an unfamiliar airport at night, which increases situational awareness challenges. The decision to circle for altitude loss on final approach in a confined area near residential structures posed significant risks. Additionally, the aircraft was below the standard glide path when it encountered the obstacle. The lack of restraint for the pilot and the unsecured cargo exacerbated the potential for injury and damage during the crash sequence.