Flight and Weather Conditions
The aircraft departed Edinburgh at 1908 hrs for a company communications flight to Walney Island (Barrow-in-Furness) with five passengers, one of whom occupied the right-hand pilot seat. The flight proceeded normally on airways at FL080 until leaving controlled airspace south of Dean Cross at 1940 hrs. The pilot then contacted Walney Island aerodrome for the latest weather and landing information. The tower reported heavy rain, strong wind from 300° at 25–30 knots, runway 30 in use, QFE 1001, dark night, and estimated visibility of 8 km.
Approach and Descent
At 1952 hrs, the pilot inquired about the serviceability of the Walney Island non-directional beacon (NDB) 'WL' and was informed it was operating. The passenger in the right seat reported seeing the lights of Barrow-in-Furness intermittently through clouds, but the pilot could not see the runway lights. The pilot requested all runway lights be turned on, and the tower confirmed they were all illuminated. Shortly thereafter, the pilot announced a left-hand base leg for runway 30 and received landing clearance. The wind was again reported as 300°, 25–30 knots with continuous rain.
The aircraft was observed making its approach over the slag bank southeast of the airfield. One witness noted that as the aircraft crossed Walney Channel, it appeared lower than normal. The right-seat passenger stated the approach seemed normal; the landing lights were on, the left windscreen wiper was operating, and the runway sodium lights were visible ahead. He then perceived a sudden increase in engine power, and the runway lights disappeared from view. The landing lights illuminated some trees, and immediately afterward the aircraft impacted the ground.
Crash and Rescue
The aircraft crashed below aerodrome level into the west bank of Walney Channel, out of view from the runway. When the aircraft failed to appear on the runway, the tower operator ordered emergency services to search the approach end of runway 30. Difficulty locating the wreckage ensued until one of the passengers extricated himself from the wreckage and climbed the bank, leading to the discovery. There was no fire, but the aircraft was substantially damaged. The pilot received fatal injuries, and two passengers, including the one in the right-hand pilot seat, were seriously injured.