On May 2, 1997, a Dornier DO228 (registration SX-BHG) operated by Olympic Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Paros Island, Greece during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft experienced a sudden loss of altitude and a nose-down attitude during its final approach. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A twin-engine aircraft struck the ground short of the runway threshold during its final approach to Paros Island Airport, resulting in no fatalities.
What happened
During the final approach phase at Paros Island Airport, a twin engine aircraft experienced a sudden loss of altitude. The aircraft's nose dipped downward, causing it to descend prematurely and strike the terrain approximately 1.3 meters before reaching the runway threshold.
Upon hitting the ground, the nose landing gear failed. This caused the aircraft to slide along the runway for a distance of 166 meters before finally coming to a stop. Despite the impact, all 20 occupants were able to evacuate the plane without injury. The aircraft sustained damage that was determined to be beyond repair.
Findings
The aircraft experienced a sudden descent and nose-down attitude during the approach.
The impact with the ground occurred just short of the runway threshold.
Probable cause
The aircraft experienced a sudden loss of altitude and a nose-down attitude during its final approach.
