What happened
During the final approach phase toward Melbourne Airport, the aircraft descended below the required altitude. While maneuvering near the runway threshold, the landing gear made contact with a pile of gravel situated just before the pavement.
Despite this impact, the crew proceeded with the landing sequence. Upon making contact with the runway, the structural integrity of the undercarriage failed, leading to a total collapse of the gear. The aircraft subsequently transitioned to a belly landing, sliding along the runway surface for a short distance. The friction and impact resulted in a fire that consumed the airframe.
Findings
- All ten occupants successfully evacuated the aircraft before the fire spread.
- The primary factor in the accident was the aircraft flying too low during its approach, which led to the initial strike against the gravel pile.