What happened
On the morning of the incident, a twin-engine aircraft departed from Edinburgh at 08:32 local time, bound for Stornoway. The flight proceeded under Visual Flight Rules (VFR), and by 08:59 local time, the crew received clearance to enter the operational zone. Shortly thereafter, the aircraft reached an altitude of 3,500 feet.
While the aircraft was cruising at 200 feet with a speed of 130 knots, the right engine experienced a loss of power. In response to the emergency, the crew aborted the original mission and attempted to divert the flight to Port Ellen Airport. During the emergency procedure, the crew feathered the right propeller; however, this action resulted in a significant reduction in airspeed. Unable to sustain a safe altitude, the pilot performed a ditching approximately 5 nautical miles east of Colonsay Island.
Following the impact with the water, all three occupants managed to climb onto the left wing of the aircraft. Despite their efforts, the vessel sank within minutes, and the wreckage could not be retrieved. Rescue teams located the survivors 40 minutes after the event. Due to the 11°C water temperature, the individuals were treated for hypothermia.
Findings
- The loss of power in the right engine necessitated an emergency diversion.
- The process of feathering the propeller led to a loss of airspeed, making it impossible to maintain altitude.