Aircraft excursion at Cascais-Tires Airport following onboard hijacking

1 fatality • Cascais, Portugal • Landing (descent or approach)

A local flight departing Evora Airport ended in an aircraft accident at Cascais-Tires Airport after a passenger brandished a weapon and forced a diversion.

What happened

During an afternoon local flight originating from Evora Airport, an incident occurred involving a pilot, two skydivers, and a photographer. Shortly after the aircraft type departed, the photographer produced a firearm and commanded the two skydivers to exit the plane. Once the passengers had jumped, the photographer used the weapon to threaten the pilot, demanding that the flight path be changed toward Cascais-Tires Airport.

Upon arrival at the destination, the aircraft veered from the runway during the landing phase. The impact caused the undercarriage to separate from the plane, leading the aircraft to come to a stop in a grassy area adjacent to the apron. The aircraft sustained heavy damage, including the partial loss of both wings, rendering it a total loss.

Findings

While the pilot managed to exit the wreckage safely, the photographer sustained a self-inflicted gunshot wound during the event and was deceased. The sequence of events was precipitated by the armed threat made by a passenger during the flight.

Probable cause

A passenger used a firearm to hijack the flight and force a diversion, leading to a runway excursion during landing.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2010-02-12 PAC 750XL - Pacific Aerospace Corporation accident near Cascais, Portugal?

A local flight departing Evora Airport ended in an aircraft accident at Cascais-Tires Airport after a passenger brandished a weapon and forced a diversion.

Were there any fatalities in the 2010-02-12 PAC 750XL - Pacific Aerospace Corporation accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2010-02-12 involved a PAC 750XL - Pacific Aerospace Corporation, registration D-FGOJ, operated by GoJump, at Cascais, Portugal.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

A passenger used a firearm to hijack the flight and force a diversion, leading to a runway excursion during landing.

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