Accident Overview
Minutes after departing from Reykjavik Airport, the pilot of a single-engine aircraft (type and registration not specified) declared an emergency while cruising over the Eyjafjallajökull volcano. The left engine had failed, prompting an immediate request to return to the airport.
Engine Failure
The pilot reported the failure of the left engine shortly after takeoff. Air traffic control cleared the aircraft to return to Reykjavik and provided vectors for an approach to runway 14. The exact cause of the engine failure remains undetermined.
Approach and Crash
During the final approach to runway 14, the aircraft encountered strong winds. The conditions caused the aircraft to bank left, leading to a stall. The aircraft then impacted the ground approximately 200 meters short of the runway threshold. The impact resulted in substantial damage, rendering the aircraft beyond repair.
Pilot Outcome
The pilot, the sole occupant, escaped the accident without injury.
Wind Conditions
At the time of the accident, the wind was gusting from 100° to 130° at speeds up to 35 knots. These conditions were noted as strong and likely affected the aircraft's handling on final approach.
Probable Cause
According to the official investigation, the probable cause of the accident was an engine failure for unknown reasons.