What happened
A charter flight departed Farnborough Airport at 11:22, carrying two crew members and three passengers. While cruising at 39,000 feet, the aircraft's left engine failed. In response to the failure, the crew shut down the engine and initiated an emergency descent. The flight crew requested diversion to the nearest suitable airfield with a runway exceeding 1,600 meters, eventually selecting Lyon-Satolas Airport.
Under radar guidance, the aircraft descended toward the airport at high speeds and a high rate of descent. The pilot stabilized the aircraft at 3,000 feet and intercepted the 36L ILS approach. Radar tracking indicated the aircraft began its final approach at 233 knots. During the descent, the crew extended the flaps and landing gear, but no further mechanical issues were reported to air traffic control.
As the aircraft neared the runway, the co-pilot issued several warnings regarding the aircraft's altitude and speed. Specifically, the co-pilot noted the aircraft was flying low and that the speed was 10 knots above the required approach reference speed. After a final request to increase thrust, the aircraft was at 900 feet and 0.1 nautical miles from the threshold. At 12:38:24, the captain reported a loss of control. The aircraft banked sharply to the left, struck the ground with a wing, and subsequently caught fire. The accident resulted in two fatalities among the crew, while the three passengers evacuated the wreckage with minor injuries.
Findings
- The flight was operating with an engine failure during the cruise phase.
- The aircraft was flying below the appropriate glide path during the final stages of the approach.
- The crew experienced a sudden loss of control just before crossing the runway threshold.