Aircraft undershoot during approach at Bottle Creek Airport

No fatalities • Bottle Creek, Turks and Caicos Islands • Landing (descent or approach)

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.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1978-04-18 Douglas DC-4 accident near Bottle Creek, Turks and Caicos Islands?

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

Were there any fatalities in the 1978-04-18 Douglas DC-4 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1978-04-18 involved a Douglas DC-4, registration N88909, operated by Panavia Cargo Development, at Bottle Creek, Turks and Caicos Islands.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

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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