1 fatality

2017-07-25: Britten-Norman Islander (8R-GRA) — Roraima Airways — Eteringbang, Guyana

Eteringbang, GuyanaLanding (descent or approach)

On July 25, 2017, a Britten-Norman Islander (registration 8R-GRA) operated by Roraima Airways was involved in an aviation accident near Eteringbang, Guyana during landing or approach. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot flew a non-standard traffic pattern very low and very close to the runway. The excessive and extreme flight manoeuvres to position the aircraft for the landing resulted in a loss of aircraft control. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781191772Data APIEditorial standards

A twin-engine cargo aircraft crashed while attempting to land at Eteringbang Airfield, killing the sole occupant, Chief Pilot Collin Martin of Roraima Airways. The accident occurred following a non-standard approach and loss of control.

Accident Overview

A twin-engine aircraft departed Ekereku on a cargo flight to Eteringbang (Arop), carrying fuel drums destined for local miners. On final approach to Eteringbang Airfield Runway 03, the aircraft was observed flying very low. The pilot initiated a right turn, during which control was lost. The aircraft crashed in a densely wooded area approximately 200 meters from the runway.

Damage and Occupants

The aircraft was destroyed upon impact. The pilot, Collin Martin, who was the sole individual aboard, was killed. Martin had served as Chief Pilot of Roraima Airways since 2015.

Official Findings

According to the investigation, the probable cause of the accident was the pilot flying a non-standard traffic pattern at an excessively low altitude and very close to the runway. The resulting extreme flight maneuvers performed to position the aircraft for landing led to a loss of control.

Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to adhere to established standard operating procedures during the approach and landing sequence.