What happened
The twin engine aircraft departed Belfast-Nutts Corner Airport with the intention of returning to its base at Abbotsinch. It was part of a group of sixteen similar aircraft traveling together. During the approach phase near the Scottish coast, the flight encountered deteriorating weather conditions that significantly reduced visibility.
While navigating these challenging conditions, the aircraft flew at an altitude that was too low for the terrain. The machine subsequently impacted the slope of Mt Cauldron with its left wing and crashed in the vicinity of Inverkip. The accident resulted in the death of the pilot and injuries to three other crew members.
Findings
The official investigation concluded that the accident was caused by controlled flight into terrain. This determination highlights that the aircraft remained under control until it struck the ground, indicating that the primary failure was spatial disorientation or altitude awareness rather than a mechanical malfunction.