What happened
A flight was being conducted to transport a group of investors and stakeholders related to a proposed airport project in Cliften, Co. Galway. Earlier in the day, a Cessna Caravan, registration N208EC, had performed several shuttle flights between Weston and Connemara Airport, and later between Connemara and Shannon to move parts of the group. Following a lunch presentation, a second aircraft, an Aer Arann Islander, was utilized to transport the remaining passengers from Inis Meáin to Connemara Airport.
During the approach to Connemara Airport, the aircraft was operating in marginal weather conditions. The pilot attempted to land the aircraft into a wind, as they were reportedly unaware that a significant wind shift had occurred since the morning's operations. During the final stages of the landing attempt, the pilot initiated a go-around at a high power setting while the aircraft was at a very low airspeed. The aircraft turned left but failed to climb, maintaining a level flight path until it struck a mound. The impact caused the aircraft to cartwheel, leading to the destruction of the airframe.
The accident resulted in two fatalities and seven serious injuries. There was no post-crash fire, and emergency services, including the Coastguard Search and Rescue helicopter, assisted in transporting the injured to medical facilities.
Findings
- The pilot attempted a landing into a wind due to an unrecognized shift in wind direction.
- A late-stage go-around at low airspeed and high power prevented the aircraft from gaining necessary altitude during the turn.