Inverness descent accident investigation

1 fatality • Inverness, United Kingdom • Flight

An investigation into an aircraft accident during a descent for Inverness revealed a high-speed spiral dive, though the exact cause of the loss of control remains undetermined.

What happened

During the final leg of its fifth flight sector of the day, the aircraft began its descent toward Inverness. Shortly after initiating the descent, the flight path became unstable, characterized by an unsteady rate of descent and a leftward turn. The wreckage was found in a state of extreme fragmentation, which indicated that the aircraft struck the ground while in a steep, left-hand spiral dive at an estimated speed of approximately 350 kt.

Findings

Investigators examined the wreckage and determined that there were no significant failures related to the engines or the primary airframe components. However, the investigation could not establish a definitive reason for the sudden transition into uncontrolled flight. Furthermore, the evidence did not show any signs that the crew attempted to recover the aircraft from the dive. Due to the lack of conclusive data regarding the deviation, the investigation emphasized the importance of flight recorder reliability, reiterating previous safety recommendations directed at EASA.

Probable cause

The specific cause of the sudden loss of control and the subsequent spiral dive could not be determined due to insufficient evidence.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2004-10-22 Cessna 406 Caravan accident near Inverness, United Kingdom?

An investigation into an aircraft accident during a descent for Inverness revealed a high-speed spiral dive, though the exact cause of the loss of control remains undetermined.

Were there any fatalities in the 2004-10-22 Cessna 406 Caravan accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2004-10-22 involved a Cessna 406 Caravan, registration G-TWIG, operated by Highland Airways (1991), at Inverness, United Kingdom.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The specific cause of the sudden loss of control and the subsequent spiral dive could not be determined due to insufficient evidence.

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