What happened
During the final approach phase toward runway 05 at Auckland-Ardmore Airport, the aircraft experienced an unintended increase in airspeed, rising from 165 knots to 211 knots. As the first officer, acting as pilot-in-command, performed a final maneuver to align with the runway, visibility was severely compromised by heavy rain showers. This weather prevented the crew from identifying the runway threshold.
While attempting to locate the landing strip, the aircraft type descended too low and impacted the water surface. The impact occurred approximately 1,025 meters before the threshold of runway 05. The accident resulted in two fatalities and two injuries among the occupants on board.
Findings
Investigations into the crash determined that the crew fell victim to a visual illusion caused by the reduced visibility during the approach. This illusion led the crew to believe the plane was at an appropriate altitude when it was actually descending dangerously. Consequently, there was a failure to adequately monitor flight instruments to ensure the aircraft remained on a safe approach path, leading to controlled flight into terrain.