What happened
During a short cargo flight intended to last approximately 15 minutes, the aircraft was performing a left traffic pattern for runway 3-6 at its destination. The flight was operating with sufficient fuel for the mission. As the aircraft transitioned to its final approach with 30 degrees of flaps, it encountered a significant meteorological event.
Witnesses on a nearby island observed a sudden, strong gust of wind originating from the west. An eyewitness at the airport estimated that wind speeds during this period reached between 35 and 40 knots, potentially with even higher gusts. Following this wind shift, the aircraft experienced a sudden right bank of approximately 80 degrees and began a rapid descent. The aircraft struck powerlines and trees before impacting the ground. Notably, an observer reported that the engine sound remained steady and did not falter throughout the approach.
Findings
An inspection of the aircraft, its engine, and all onboard systems following the accident showed no signs of mechanical failure or malfunctions that would have prevented the plane from operating normally. Meteorological data from a station located roughly 6 nautical miles south-southeast of the crash site confirmed highly unstable conditions, with winds shifting from the north-northwest to the northwest at speeds up to 30 knots and gusts reaching 37 knots around the time of the event. The evidence indicates that the encounter with a severe wind gust caused the aircraft to bank sharply, leading to a loss of control and an accelerated stall.