What happened
During the final approach phase at Tortola-Terrance B. Lettsome Airport, the flight crew failed to maintain an adequate altitude above the terrain. This lack of situational awareness regarding the aircraft's height led to the aircraft striking the ground a few meters before reaching the runway threshold.
The impact caused the landing gear to be ripped from the airframe, forcing the plane into a belly landing. Following the contact with the ground, the aircraft slid until it reached a complete stop. Despite the severity of the impact, all three occupants managed to exit the wreckage without sustaining any injuries. The aircraft sustained damage that rendered it a total loss.
Findings
- The primary factor in the accident was the crew's failure to recognize that the aircraft was flying at an insufficient altitude during the approach.