What happened
A company communications flight departed Edinburgh at 19:08 hours, traveling toward Walney Island with five passengers. The aircraft was cruising at FL080 until it exited controlled airspace south of Dean Cross around 19:40 hours. Upon contacting Walney Island aerodrome to request weather updates, the pilot was informed of heavy rain, a strong wind from 300 degrees at 25 to 30 knots, and a QFE of 1001. At this time, visibility was estimated at approximately 8 km under dark night conditions.
During subsequent communications regarding the serviceability of the 'WL' NDB, the pilot noted that while the lights of Barrow-in-Furness were intermittently visible through cloud cover, the runway lights could not be seen. Despite the tower confirming all runway lights were active, the aircraft's approach over the slag bank to the southeast of the airfield was observed by a witness to be lower than usual as it crossed Walney Channel.
A passenger in the right-hand seat reported that while the approach initially appeared normal with landing lights and wipers operational, there was a sudden increase in engine power followed by the disappearance of runway lights from view. The aircraft's landing lights then illuminated trees just before the impact. The aircraft crashed below aerodrome level into the west bank of Walney Channel. While no fire occurred, the aircraft sustained substantial damage. The accident resulted in one fatality and two serious injuries.
Findings
The investigation concluded that the pilot allowed the aircraft to undershoot the runway while attempting a difficult approach to a poorly lit runway during adverse weather. Contributing factors included pilot fatigue, lack of food, and impaired visual accommodation. Additionally, the presence of carbon monoxide in the pilot's blood was noted as a potential contributory factor.