What happened
The flight departed Glasgow at 03:17, traveling toward Barrow-in-Furness via Dean Cross. After departing Dean Cross at flight level 50, the aircraft proceeded toward Walney Island aerodrome under radar advisory services provided by Manchester Control. As the aircraft approached its destination, the pilot initiated a gradual descent through a layer of stratus cloud. Upon reaching the vicinity of Walney Island, the pilot turned toward the sea to continue descending while remaining above the cloud layer.
While attempting to return to the airfield, the aircraft descended into cloud cover at 1,500 feet. Approximately 1,200 feet over the sea, the aircraft disappeared from radar contact; however, the pilot subsequently notified Manchester Control that they were positioned directly over the aerodrome. Local witnesses near the airfield reported calm winds and visibility hampered by patchy, low-lying sea fog, with surface visibility estimated at over 200 meters.
One observer located 600 meters southwest of the runway 06 touchdown zone noted the aircraft flying north at an altitude between 50 and 100 feet. Another witness near the southwest corner of the field reported hearing the engine noise cease, followed by a dull thud. The aircraft type struck the ground on the centerline, roughly 30 meters short of the start of runway 06. The impact occurred in a steep nose-down, left wing low attitude. Initial contact was made by the port wingtip, followed by the nose, which sustained significant damage. The aircraft then pivoted and bounced laterally before coming to rest with its tail facing the runway. At the time of the crash, flaps were set to 25°.
Findings
An investigation into the wreckage found no mechanical defects that contributed to the accident. The incident occurred roughly 35 minutes after sunrise, meaning the approach toward runway 06 was directed toward the rising sun. Low-lying sea fog was a significant factor during the approach phase.