What happened
On 20 November 2025, a Vulcanair P.68C-TC, registration EI-HPY, was conducting a ferry flight from Sligo Airport to France when it experienced technical failures. The pilot declared an emergency due to an alternator issue and low fuel pressure in the left engine. While attempting to divert to Waterford Airport, the aircraft was cleared for landing on runway 03. During the approach, the pilot announced an intention to perform a left circle to avoid other traffic. Shortly after, the aircraft entered a steep left turn, lost altitude rapidly, and impacted terrain in a field west of the runway. The pilot was fatally injured, and the aircraft was destroyed.
The investigation
The AAIU examined the wreckage and the accident site, noting that the aircraft struck the ground in an extreme nose-down attitude. The investigation included a teardown of the left engine at a UK facility and an analysis of fuel samples. Investigators also reviewed radar data, air traffic control recordings, and recovered memory cards from the aircraft's Garmin 950 avionics suite.
Findings
- The left engine's fuel system showed evidence of water contamination, as laboratory analysis of fluid from the left gascolator bowl confirmed it was primarily water with a trace of fuel.
- The pilot had reported that advancing the throttle on the left engine caused significant vibration.
- The aircraft's flaps were found in the full landing position, and the throttle, propeller, and mixture controls were all in the forward position at the time of impact.