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Aircraft undershoot during approach at Bottle Creek Airport (N88909)

Bottle Creek, Turks and Caicos IslandsLanding (descent or approach)

On April 18, 1978, a Douglas DC-4 (registration N88909) operated by Panavia Cargo Development was involved in an aviation accident near Bottle Creek, Turks and Caicos Islands during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft struck the ground short of the runway because it was flying at an insufficient altitude during its final approach. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

A four-engine aircraft struck the ground short of the runway threshold while attempting to land at Bottle Creek Airport, resulting in no injuries.

What happened

During the final approach phase at Bottle Creek Airport, a four-engine airplane descended below the required altitude and made contact with the terrain before reaching the runway threshold. The impact caused the aircraft's landing gear to be ripped from the airframe. Following this structural damage, the plane settled onto its fuselage and came to a complete stop.

Findings

  • The primary factor in the incident was that the aircraft was too low during its approach to the runway.
  • There were zero fatalities and zero injuries reported among the six people on board the aircraft.

Probable cause

The aircraft struck the ground short of the runway because it was flying at an insufficient altitude during its final approach.

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