Accident Overview
During a visual approach to landing, a de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter impacted the ground short of the runway. The aircraft was being flown by the captain from the right seat, who had entered a right-hand traffic pattern.
Weather Conditions
A left quartering headwind of 15 knots was gusting across the airport at the time of the approach.
Sequence of Events
Upon turning to the final approach, the captain reduced engine power to the low speed range for the visual approach. As the aircraft neared the runway, the rate of descent accelerated. The captain applied full engine power, but this failed to arrest the descent, and the aircraft struck the ground before reaching the runway.
Injuries and Damage
All 16 occupants on board sustained injuries. The aircraft was damaged in the impact.
Probable Cause
The official investigation identified the probable causes as: an improper planned approach by the pilot in command; weather conditions including turbulence and gusts; delayed use of powerplant controls by the pilot in command; and an inadvertent stall/mush by the pilot in command.