What happened
On May 5, 2017, an Air Cargo Carriers Shorts SD3-30 aircraft, registration N334AC, crashed while attempting to land on runway 5 at Charleston Yeager International Airport (CRW) in West Virginia. The flight was a scheduled cargo operation from Louisville, Kentucky, operating under instrument flight rules.
During the approach, the flight crew requested a VOR-A circling approach rather than the localizer approach that had been suggested by air traffic control. At the time of the approach, the airport was experiencing instrument meteorological conditions with valley fog. While the crew was navigating the approach, the aircraft's descent rate increased significantly. Radar data and video analysis showed the airplane reached a descent rate of approximately 2,500 feet per minute during its final approach, far exceeding the company's recommended rate of 500 feet per minute.
As the airplane approached the runway, it entered a steep left bank of up to 42 degrees. The aircraft impacted the runway centerline with its left wingtip first, followed by the left main landing gear and propeller. The impact caused the left wing to separate, and the fuselage slid off the runway into a wooded area 85 feet below the runway elevation. The crash resulted in 2 fatal injuries for the captain and first officer.
The investigation
Investigators examined the wreckage and found no evidence of mechanical or engine failure that would have prevented normal operation. The flight control systems were found to be intact, though many components were broken due to the forces of the impact.
An analysis of the weather revealed that a special weather observation had been issued at 0630, indicating an overcast layer at 500 feet and valley fog. However, this information was not included in the ATIS broadcast, and the approach controller did not relay the updated information to the flight crew.
Review of the captain's flight history showed a pattern of descending below prescribed altitudes and performing unstable approaches. Additionally, a review of the operator's records indicated that the company lacked a formal safety and oversight program to monitor pilot compliance with standard operating procedures or to track performance issues.