Incident Overview
A cargo aircraft operating a flight from Seven Islands to Menihek Airport was destroyed by fire after a loss of control during landing in strong crosswinds. The aircraft, carrying a load of 2,150 gallons of diesel, 300 gallons of petrol, and 800 gallons of Avgas, touched down on a gravel runway before veering off the surface and colliding with rocks. The ensuing fire consumed the aircraft, but both pilots evacuated safely without reported injuries.
Sequence of Events
The approach to Menihek Airport was conducted in strong crosswinds. After touchdown on the gravel runway, the aircraft went out of control, veered off the runway, and eventually struck rocks. The impact caused the aircraft to come to rest in flames.
Damage and Injuries
The aircraft was destroyed by the fire. The two pilots on board evacuated the aircraft successfully and were not injured.
Probable Cause
According to the official investigation, the probable cause of the accident was a loss of control on landing due to strong crosswinds.