Accident Overview
A twin-engine cargo aircraft operating a freight service from Stansted Airport to East Midlands Airport crashed during its landing approach, resulting in the death of the sole pilot on board. The aircraft was carrying approximately 800 kilograms of various goods.
Sequence of Events
While on approach, approximately 1 nautical mile from touchdown, air traffic control advised the pilot that the runway visual range (RVR) for landing had decreased to 900 meters. Shortly thereafter, ATC notified a further reduction to 800 meters. Immediately following this transmission, the pilot radioed, 'National Six Four Six got to go-around.' Ten seconds later, he transmitted 'crashing...National.' The aircraft subsequently struck the ground about 350 meters to the right of runway 09's centerline and 750 meters beyond the threshold. A post-crash fire destroyed the aircraft.
Investigation Findings
The official investigation determined that the aircraft's weight was 90 kilograms above its maximum authorised takeoff weight at Stansted Airport. After accounting for fuel consumed during the flight, the aircraft would have arrived at East Midlands at least 160 kilograms above its maximum authorised landing weight. Additionally, the steep angle of impact was consistent with a dive following a stall.