What happened
On 5 July 2007, a Cessna 208B Caravan, registration N208EC, was conducting a demonstration flight for potential investors at Connemara Airport (EICA) in Co. Galway. The flight was part of a series of trips between the mainland and Inis Meáin to showcase the aircraft's capabilities.
During the return leg, the aircraft attempted to land on Runway 05. The approach was conducted in marginal weather conditions characterized by low visibility and gusty winds. During the landing sequence, a go-around was initiated at a very low airspeed and high power setting. As the aircraft attempted to climb, it failed to gain sufficient altitude and maintained a horizontal path. The aircraft struck a mound of earth just outside the airport boundary, causing the left wing to impact the terrain. The impact caused the aircraft to cartwheel, resulting in two fatalities and seven serious injuries.
The investigation
The AAIU investigation examined the flight history, meteorological data, and flight data recorder (ADAS) outputs. Investigators interviewed surviving passengers, airport ground staff, and eyewitnesses who observed the aircraft emerging from the clouds at a very low altitude.
Technical analysis of the ADAS revealed that at the time of impact, the aircraft was operating at a torque setting exceeding the maximum limit. The investigation also analyzed the aircraft's speed, noting that the recorded airspeed was significantly below the established stall speed for the aircraft in its configuration. Physical evidence from the site, including strike marks on a rock, allowed investigators to calculate a groundspeed of approximately 51 kts immediately prior to the collision.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the attempted go-around at an insufficient airspeed, which led to a loss of altitude.
- A significant wind shift had occurred since the aircraft's earlier departure, which the pilot was unaware of, resulting in a landing attempt performed downwind.
- The aircraft was operating with a power setting above the maximum allowable torque.
- The aircraft was flying at a speed significantly below its documented stall speed.