What happened
During the final approach to runway 15, the aircraft passed through the final cloud layer, allowing the pilot-in-command to observe the runway environment. Upon realizing the aircraft was too high on the glide path, the pilot opted not to perform a go-around. Instead, the captain increased the descent rate to 1,800 feet per minute while maintaining an incorrect approach configuration.
Upon touchdown, the aircraft experienced a positive acceleration of 11 gm. This intense force caused the fuselage to separate into two pieces behind the wing area. Following the impact, the crew proceeded with standard braking maneuvers and successfully moved the aircraft off the runway. The aircraft eventually came to a halt on a taxiway.
Despite the severe structural damage to the aircraft, all 40 occupants managed to evacuate the wreckage without injury. The aircraft was subsequently determined to be a total loss.
Findings
- The pilot failed to initiate a go-around despite being off the glide path.
- The decision to increase the descent rate while in a wrong approach configuration led to the high-impact landing.