What happened
During the final approach phase of flight into Port Ellen, the aircraft descended below a safe altitude and made contact with the terrain. This impact resulted in the separation of the undercarriage from the airframe. Following the initial strike, the plane continued to slide along its fuselage for a short distance before the motion ceased.
There were six occupants on board at the time of the incident, all of whom remained unhurt. Although there were no casualties, the structural damage sustained during the ground excursion was so severe that the aircraft was declared a total loss.
Findings
- The primary factor in the accident was that the aircraft was flying too low during its approach to the destination.