What happened
On July 5, 2007, at approximately 13:50 UTC, a Cessna C208B - Grand Caravan, registration N208EC, was performing a private flight from Inis Meáin to Connemara Airport (Inverin) in County Galway. The flight was intended as a demonstration of the aircraft's capabilities for a group of business professionals. The aircraft was being operated by a single pilot carrying eight passengers.
As the aircraft approached Inverin Airport, witnesses observed it flying at a low altitude. The aircraft struck a small outcrop of land, which caused it to bounce and cartwheel to the left. The impact was severe enough to sever the left wing, which ended up resting on the right side of the fuselage. The engine also detached from the airframe, coming to rest atop the remaining right wing. There was no post-crash fire. The accident resulted in 2 fatalities (one crew member and one passenger) and 7 serious injuries.
The investigation
The AAIU examined the wreckage, including the aircraft's controls, systems, and instrumentation. An inspection of the power plant revealed no pre-impact damage, and no significant technical defects had been identified at the time of the preliminary report.
Investigators also recovered data from the Engine Monitoring Unit. Although the device was found in a damaged state, the AAIU successfully retrieved the recorded engine parameters, altitude, and speed data for further evaluation. Witnesses noted that the engine sound appeared to increase in power just before the impact occurred.
Findings
- The flight was being conducted under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) at an airport lacking navigation aids.
- Weather conditions at the time of the accident were described as overcast and dark, with a complex weather system moving through the region.
- Other aircraft in the vicinity reported poor visibility shortly after the event.
- The aircraft struck an outcrop during a low-altitude approach.