What happened
During the final approach phase toward the runway 09 threshold at Guantánamo Bay NAS, the aircraft descended below the required altitude. Approximately 1,000 feet before reaching the runway threshold, one of the aircraft's wings made contact with the ground.
Following this initial impact, the aircraft became uncontrollable and crashed into the terrain. The subsequent impact resulted in a fire that consumed the wreckage. There were seven fatalities among the crew members on board during the accident.
Findings
- The aircraft was operating at an altitude that was too low for its position on final approach.
- The wing strike occurred short of the runway threshold, leading to the loss of control and the subsequent crash.