What happened
On a night departure from Funchal-Santa Cruz Madeira Airport, a twin engine aircraft began a charter flight destined for Málaga. The flight departed from runway 05 at 21:54 local time, carrying a total of ten people, including the pilot and nine passengers from Spain, which included three children.
During the initial climb phase, while at an altitude of approximately 2,200 feet, the aircraft entered a cloud layer. Following this, the plane began a left turn and transitioned into an uncontrolled descent. Approximately forty seconds after the descent began, the aircraft struck the sea less than one kilometer from the coast, situated northeast of Caniçal. The force of the impact caused the aircraft to disintegrate. There were 10 fatalities as all occupants on board perished in the accident.
Findings
- The aircraft entered a cloud layer during the climb.
- The flight path involved a left turn followed by a loss of control during descent.