Background
According to the pilot, while on the downwind leg, air traffic control (ATC) instructed the pilot to extend the downwind for 2 miles due to traffic. Shortly thereafter, ATC directed the pilot to fly straight to the runway for a short approach from the Capital building and to expedite because of inbound traffic. The pilot questioned ATC about the short final instructions, citing ships at the port in close proximity to the approach path.
Accident Sequence
The pilot reported that on short final, "the aircraft had no control" and applied full power to the engines. However, the airplane impacted the runway left wing first. A witness positioned approximately 1,000 feet from the approach end of runway 9 observed the accident airplane over the inside pattern turning left for a short final approach to runway 9. The airplane continued descending without any indication of recovery. The witness heard the engine speed up before the left wing tip struck the surface. The aircraft then bounced back to the right, hitting the nose and the right main gear, at which point both main landing gears separated. The airplane slid backwards for about 300 feet on the runway before coming to a stop.
Occupants and Injuries
All six people onboard exited the aircraft without assistance and appeared to have no injuries.
Post-Accident Examination
An FAA Aviation Safety Inspector conducted a post-accident examination of the accident airplane's flight controls. Continuity was established, and the flight control systems were determined to be in operational condition.
Runway Information
Runway 9 at Fernando Luis Ribas Dominicci Airport is a published 100-foot wide by 5,317-foot long runway.