Accident Summary
On the day of the accident, a twin-engine airplane departed Ponta Delgada Airport at 1449 local time for a survey flight over the Atlantic Ocean to trace shoals of tuna. The aircraft carried two passengers, one observer, and one pilot. At 1751 local time, the mission concluded, and air traffic control cleared the pilot to descend to Horta Airport. While on final approach to runway 29 and after receiving landing clearance, the aircraft entered a right turn, subsequently lost altitude, and crashed approximately 600 meters to the right of the extended centerline of runway 29. The aircraft was totally destroyed, and all four occupants sustained fatal injuries.
Investigation Findings
The official investigation determined the probable cause of the accident. It is believed that the loss of control, which followed an unexpected right turn on short final, was the consequence of a temporary disability of the pilot, who likely suffered an aortic rupture. However, the investigation did not rule out alternative hypotheses, including asphyxia from carbon monoxide, convulsion, or a heart attack.